Viticulture Internship (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Job Description:

Enterprise Vineyards was established in 1979 by Phil Coturri, a lifelong farmer and Sonoma Valley's leading organic viticulturist, with over 600 acres of vines under his supervision. Our Viticulture Team is looking for a highly motivated seasonal Viticulture Intern to join us during the growing season and harvest. Start and duration of the internship are flexible, the interns could start as early as March. This is a great position for anyone wanting to learn the intricacies of organic farming and premium grape growing in Sonoma and Napa. You would be joining a small and tight-knit team of passionate, hardworking and eclectic people who are eager to share their knowledge and experience.

SUMMARY
The viticulture intern works directly with the Viticulture Coordinator to conduct field inspections, record observations, monitor vine water stress and insect traps. Other areas of responsibility include maturity sampling, vine health assessments, and harvest help. A critical aspect of this role is having a strong work ethic, good organizational skills and ensuring good communication and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
o Recording phenological stages and general observations
o Collecting leaf petiole samples for nutrient analysis
o Visual assessment of vineyards for symptoms of disease and water stress
o Surveying for pests and diseases
o Management of Grape Mealybug and Vine Mealybug trapping programs
o Release of beneficial insects
o Crop estimation, including cluster counts and weights
o Maturity sampling and testing juice samples for Brix and pH
o Creating and maintaining viticulture records and databases
o Harvest Help: bin leaf and cluster sorting, picking grapes

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Assists with Vineyard Development as required
o Maintains a pristine and organized work area.
o Occasional fieldwork
o Other duties as assigned

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/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee must be a team player and ability to think with a safety, sustainability, and quality mind-set.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
o Education – High school education or equivalent preferred.
o BS degree in agriculture, viticulture or related field is a plus.
o Must have a valid CA Drivers License
o Previous field experience is desirable.
o Knowledge of vineyard pests and diseases is a plus.
o Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
o Ability to read, write and speak English; Spanish speaking is a plus.
o Ability to follow directions.
o Ability to work independently.
o Ability to use good judgment.
o Ability to work well with others.
o Must possess a valid California driver’s license, with a clean driving record

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.
o Must be able to work outdoors in extremes of heat/rain/humidity/cold and other inclement weather conditions.
o Must be able to walk on uneven ground.
o Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
o Must be able to see clearly enough to a) drive safely b) recognize employees.
o Must be able to work long hours when required.
o Must be able to sustain the repeated use of hands as well as long periods of standing, walking, and bending.
o Must be able to sit for long hours and operate equipment.