SUMMARY

Engages in the development, delivery, and evaluation of research/development outreach programming and training for contract growers and GVI personnel. Participates in the development of outreach materials and programing including the development and use of emerging electronic technologies and media to communicate new methods and techniques to a broad audience of growers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Participates in the development, delivery, and evaluation of outreach materials and programming for contract growers and GVI personnel.
Disseminates new technological standards to growers through oral and written communication.
Develops, executes, and analyzes vineyard trials and demonstration projects to drive adoption of best practices.
Conducts vineyard trials and demonstration projects for GVI and contract grower vineyards.
Oversees data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results; summarizes data for use in reports and Grower Outreach activities.

• Analyzes, launches, and manages new vineyard technology solutions and software systems; partners with IS team members to develop user-friendly interfaces.
• Supports Technical Manager in the development of educational materials, technologies, and tools for grower implementation of best practices.
• Review project plans with Grower Outreach team to determine time frame, resource limitations, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of project.
• Develops recommendations and provide problem solving strategies for grape production and quality issues in grower vineyards.
• Maintains equipment and infrastructure required for vineyard demonstration trials and other Grower Outreach activities.
• Works cross-functionally on project teams within Grower Relations as well as with project partners in other areas of the business including GVI, VCE, Wine and Grape Supply, and Winemaking
• Manages software and systems used for data transmission, reporting, and outreach activities.
• Continuously improves and develops vineyard technical skills.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature; takes initiative to suggest ideas that potentially could contribute to improved outreach efforts and commercial outcomes.
• Recommends and implement improvements and modifications in operations and related matters.
• Ensures the protection of company intellectual property.
• Must maintain satisfactory attendance, to include timeliness.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with applicable quality, environmental and safety regulatory considerations. If accountable for the work of others, responsible for ensuring their understanding and compliance.
• This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees project team members and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science Degree in Viticulture, Biology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, or Agriculture plus 1 year of field research, grower education/outreach activities, or vineyard management experience
  OR
  Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Biology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, or Agriculture plus 3 years of field research, grower education/outreach activities, or vineyard management experience.
• Knowledge of viticulture/vineyard practices.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of background check. Required to obtain a California driver’s license or appropriate state driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Required to travel to vineyard locations throughout California (occasional over-night travel is required).
• Demonstrated experience to learn and use a wide variety of computer software, including office productivity (MS Word, Excel, etc.), media creation (e.g., Adobe Acrobat), and others.
• Experience with public speaking and writing for various audience levels.
• Required to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• High School Diploma or GED.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science Degree in Viticulture or Plant Science plus 2 years of grower education/outreach activities experience.
• Proficient in reading, writing and speaking the Spanish language.
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting general industry periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Experience effectively presenting information and responding to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Skilled in applying mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Experience defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Experience interpreting an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Experience working with all levels and functions within the company.
• Experience with team building, leadership and mentoring.
• Skilled in adapting-to and understanding new and unfamiliar processes.
• Experience operating with considerable latitude for un-reviewed action or decision.
• Knowledge of the operation and interpretation of results from statistical programs such as SAS, SPSS or equivalent biometric software.
• Experience applying comprehensive knowledge in the area of specialization to the completion of significant assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit and walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell. Occasionally will be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee will frequently work outdoors in an agricultural environment. She/he must be able to work under the standard conditions encountered in a vineyard including, but not limited to cold (winter) and hot, dusty (summer). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEO/AA M/F/Vet/Disability