Vineyard Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Finger Lakes,
New York
Atwater Estate Vineyards
Vineyard Manager Position Available
Atwater Estate Vineyards is seeking a working vineyard manager to oversee all aspects of vineyard operations at our beautiful 80 acre winery and vineyards located on the eastern side of Seneca Lake in Burdett, New York. Our unique site boasts a microclimate ideal for grape production. Currently planted with nineteen different varieties of both white and red grapes, we produce 8,000 cases of wine each year and produce 150 tones of grapes.
Our vineyard manager will lead his/her staff in all viticulture operations including grape production, cultivation, thinning, pruning, tying, suckering, canopy management, planting and replanting, irrigation, erosion control, trellis installation, vineyard installation, and harvesting. He/she will ensure compliance with all regulations related to grape production with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and quality control.
Requirements
● Willingness to be hands-on in all functions required to operate the vineyard and winery grounds.
● A strong and proven work ethic.
● Knowledge of vineyard/farm management practices and procedures.
● Demonstrated leadership, decision-making skills, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
● Must have and maintain a valid New York State Driver’s License with a clean DMV history.
● Must have a New York State Spray Certification or be able to complete one.
● Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds.
Responsibilities and Duties
● Direct a workforce consisting of two staff field labor personnel and contracted work crews as needed.
○ Provide and acquire proper tools and equipment for all jobs, ensuring they are in proper working order and employees are trained in their use.
○ Train, enforce, and comply with Atwater policies, procedures, and safety guidelines as stated in employee manual and with county, state, and federal regulations.
○ Provide performance feedback on employees to owner(s) as needed.
○ Address communication, performance, and employee relations issues that occur with Vineyard workforce.
○ Review and approve timecard data on a daily and weekly basis to ensure accuracy in payroll.
○ Participate in the recruiting and hiring of vineyard staff and contract labor.
● Manage and document all pest, fungicide, and herbicide programs.
● Detect and evaluate vineyard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely, and economic solutions and that deliver quality fruit for estate wines and contracted grape sales and improve vineyard and fruit quality.
● Procure and schedule harvest equipment and provide accurate crop estimates.
● Communicate with contracted grape buyers regarding quality control, harvest schedules, pickups, and deliveries.
● Review all expenditures to insure that vineyard operations are within budgetary parameters.
● Contribute to regular Atwater management team meetings.
● Meet with members of the press, media, and VIP customers as directed by Atwater owner(s) or winemaker(s).
● Work flexible and extended hours as required to complete assigned responsibilities, particularly during harvest and peak periods.
● Assist winery staff during special event setup and takedowns.
● Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned by Atwater owner(s) or winemaker(s).
Education
● A minimum of three years of direct experience in vineyard management and/or development.
● Degree in Viticulture or related field and/or equivalent, relevant experience is required.
Additional Skills
● Functional Spanish a plus, but not required.
Our ideal candidate loves to work outdoors, relishes hard work, communicates well, and arrives with hands-on agriculture or farm experience. The ideal person will lead by example to ensure that all vineyard operations run smoothly and efficiently, understanding the importance of both leadership and teamwork. The vineyard manager should be immediately ready to manage, learn, and utilize all his/her resources for successful job completion.
Salary commensurate with experience. The position will be filled before March 1, 2019.
Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected] .
