Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:
Manage and develop human and physical assets of 110 acre vineyard of 10+ grape varieties (200 acre farm) to maximize grape quality for wine production while minimizing sustainable cost per ton and continuously improving real and aesthetic asset value.
RESPONSIBILITIES / PRIORITIES:
1) Retain, Develop, Select and Motivate a good vineyard team.
a. Develop and maintain constructive relationships with Winery management and Staff
b. as well as Customers and Suppliers
c. Train and enforce Quality, Environmental and Safety and Productivity disciplines in the vineyards.
d. Lead by example, often working side by side with vineyard labor in manual as well as machine operations
2) Produce excellent quality grapes.
a. Coordinate with Wine-Maker to assure that growing and harvest decisions produce the best possible quality for the Estate wines.
b. Make and execute timely decisions and actions in vineyard management to improve vine health, control diseases and manage to optimum crop levels.
3) (With Wine-Maker) Manage and develop profitable outlets for grapes excess to winery needs.
a. With Wine-Maker maintain and update projections of up-coming and following harvests. Allocate and manage vineyard sections for internal uses and external sale respectively.
b. Maintain and develop contacts with other wineries and brokers.
c. Negotiate price and specs and assure compliance.
4) Continuously improve productivity of labor and inputs.
a. Hire, Manage and develop full-time and seasonal labor for hand work, equipment operations, pest control, and harvest.
b. Develop and recommend short and long term plans for vineyard operations.
c. Assist owners in ensuring necessary and profitable capital improvements and operational needs are identified.
d. Ensure that vineyard operations comply with State environmental, labor and safety regulations.
e. Ensure maintenance of records and reporting systems for Vineyard Operations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior vineyard management experience, including employee supervision and asset maintenance accountability.
• Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, or equivalent education/experience.
• Viticulture problem-solving ability and good skill working with vineyards. Well versed in disease and weed control techniques and regulations. Ability to perform and oversee operation and maintenance of vineyard equipment and irrigation systems.
• Must be results oriented but very organized, with strong attention to detail and have good communication skills.
• Computer literate (Simple Word, Excel)
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of Vineyard Operations.
• Ability to work effectively during high seasonal work-loads
• Ability to be a “self-starter” identifying opportunities and implementing solutions.
• Understanding of payroll and basic accounting practices.
• Valid Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/OTHER:
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Ability to walk 4-5 miles per day over uneven dirt surfaces in the vineyard and to perform most if not all of the physical and equipment operating tasks in the vineyard.
• Ability to cheerfully withstand extreme variables in outside weather conditions.
• Must successfully complete post-offer pre-employment drug/alcohol testing.

Contact Information:
Fred Johnson
Johnson Estate Winery
tel: 513-502-6111   
Email:

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