Job

Vineyard Manager
Lodi/Delta, CA

Position Summary:
This is a hands-on position working as a vital member of the vineyard management team to actively assist in directing and managing the labor and cultural operations involved in an efficient winegrowing business.  This position will report to the Vineyard Manager and will oversee labor managers, supervisors, irrigators, or crews working in their designated region. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Vineyard Management:

  • Responsible for all labor operations, performance, and appearance of vineyards in assigned area.  This will include manual labor tasks as necessary to test jobs, supervise crews, enforce quality, etc.  Work with labor contractors and crew foremen to ensure quality and performance expectations are met. 
  • Report to Vineyard Manager (VM) in designated area and perform daily scouting of vineyards to notify the proper VM of potential problems that may affect the health of the vineyards.
  • Create lists of jobs that need to get done, coordinate jobs, delegate where appropriate, execute, and follow-up. 
  • Aid in the monitoring of vineyards to ensure vine development, vine health, fruit quality.  This will include participation and responsibilities in irrigation management, pest scouting, soil nutrition management, general land management.
  • Record and analyze vineyard observations and day-to-day recordkeeping as needed.  Effectively use PC spreadsheet and database programs as needed.
  • Help develop a farm plan for upcoming growing season and adhere to a budget in all vineyard management decisions.

Labor Management:

  • Directly oversee management labor crews and contract labor crews in assigned area of responsibility throughout the year to ensure efficiency and quality in all cultural operations. 
  • Actively listen to and troubleshoot everyday employee relation issues by counseling and documenting issues as they arise. 
  • Assist in managing mechanical harvesters and crews at day and/or night during harvest season.
  • Work hands-on with crews as needed to cover the work load, demonstrate expectations, and train employees.
  • Pursue opportunities to improve self, employees, and processes via ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and training.
  • Promote positive work environment and overall employee morale.

Safety:

  • Manage, communicate, and enforce worker safety programs (Injury & Illness Prevention Program) and safe pesticide handling.
  • Organize and present tailgate safety meetings with employees as necessary.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills Required:

  • Education in viticulture or related field.
  • Minimum of two years vineyard work experience.
  • Literate (preferred proficient) in basic Window’s applications and databases.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use computers, run reports, complete accurate data entry and document information related vineyards, employees, etc.
  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
  • Experience supervising employees. Ability to lead, motivate and supervise a team of employees.
  • Ability to think critically and globally on farm-wide issues.
  • Bilingual – communicate effectively in both English and Spanish strongly preferred.
  • Communicate with other vineyard managers, equipment managers, and Pest Control Advisors in an effective and professional manner.
  • Must stay up-to-date on industry issues and have desire for continued education.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly and work in a dynamic outdoor environment.  This can be a physically demanding job.
  • Significant (not every) Saturday work is required as labor management and farming demands.
  • Must be dedicated to work a typical agricultural work schedule that includes extended hours during harvest.

Compensation:
Competitive salary plus annual bonus potential. Comprehensive benefits package.

Contact:
Jeff Oliver
559-434-8500
jeff@oliversc.com