EXPERIENCED VITICULTURIST/VINEYARD MANAGER (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

We are seeking a full-time Experienced Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager to work alongside our small dedicated onsite team. This is an exciting hands-on role with the opportunity to produce high-quality fruit from the Smithbrook Vineyard in Pemberton for the Fogarty Wine Group and develop 16 ha’s of new plantings across the site over coming years.

Duties

• Ensure all new developments are completed at the highest level and adhere to budget
• Consistently achieve target grade, yield and associated cost per tonne for all vineyard sites under direct control
• Monthly reporting to the Head Viticulturist the status of all vineyards and operations including any projected capex
• Preparing and managing budgets of all vineyard developments and operations
• To plan, manage for & assist in all aspects of the daily operations involved in running the vineyards including

1. Vine Management, including training, pruning and canopy management.
2. Manage Vine nutrition to keep vines at their optimum performance for quality and yield.
3. Monitoring for vine pest & disease issues.
4. Harvest operations -both mechanical and hand harvesting.
5. Efficient Water use management
6. Irrigation & Trellis - monitoring and repairs.
7. Chemical application and recording processes.

• Responsible for care and maintenance of vineyard equipment.
• Responsible for OH&S compliance and ensuring that all work activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures and policies.
• Work closely with the Head Viticulturist to ensure the highest quality outcomes and MRL management for the fruit supplied to the winery.

Skills & Experience

• Viticulture Qualification preferred
• Experience managing employees and labour teams
• Chemical accreditation or similar
• Trellising skills
• Knowledge of irrigation systems
• Knowledge of pest, disease and weed control
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety procedures
• Experience in maintaining tractors, small engines etc.
• Current drivers’ licence
• General computer skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of targeted fruit grade
• Achievement of targeted yield and associated cost per tonne
• MRL – all chemical applications are performed in full compliance with current legislation
• Zero downtime due to equipment unavailability
• Zero LTI or MTI’s
• Zero NCR’s
• All activities completed on schedule and on budget
• Meet reporting schedule

Reporting to the Head Viticulturist, the successful applicant will be hard working; reliable; self-motivated; have good communication, leadership and presentation skills; and be capable of working autonomously or in a small team.