Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Alexandria Nicole Cellars is a small boutique winery with our own estate vineyard. We are a limited-production wine estate, located in Eastern Washington creating world-class European-style wines. The 327 acre estate, planted to 268 acres, has a rich heritage of success and diversity in both producing and creating world class wines.

Job Description & Core Responsibilities:
Direct the daily activities and operations of the vineyards and vineyard workers. Essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below; however, other tasks may be assigned as deemed necessary by management.

Essential Job Duties:
•  All employees are required to maintain a positive, enthusiastic and thoughtful attitude to promote and ensure positive employee relations throughout the company and with our customers, vendors, and distributors.
•  Strong interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels and to effectively communicate with diverse client groups.
•  Must exhibit outstanding customer service skills and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
•  Must be extremely detailed, highly organized and adaptable.

Primary Responsibilities:
•  Fluency in English and Spanish languages (speaking, reading and writing).
•  Oversees vineyards to ensure vine development, vine health and fruit quality.
•  Directs viticulture practices including proper pruning, suckering, tying, frost protection, thinning, canopy management, soil nutrition, planting, replanting, erosion, and general land management.
•  Assigns duties and monitors quality of work; assures staff conforms to organizational policies and procedures and government regulations.
•  Track vineyard crew activities by person and accurately report on a weekly basis for payroll generation.
•  Works hands-on with crews as needed to cover the work load, demonstrate expectations and proper techniques, ensure safety compliance, train employees and develop skill levels.
•  Actively listens to and trouble-shoots everyday employee relations issues by counseling and documenting issues as they arise.
•  Manages labor contractors and crew to ensure quality and meet performance expectations.
•  Schedules breaks and approves overtime within Washington wage and hour rules.
•  Directs and assigns duties as needed to meet harvest obligations and schedules.
•  Understand and comply with all safety regulations and procedures; assist in making sure that the facility and equipment are safe for employees and visitors.
•  Installation of capital projects.
•  Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, using test equipment and hand tools, to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.

Non-Essential Functions:
•  Maintain equipment and facility including, but not limited to; tractors, sprayers and vineyard roadways.
•  Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
•  Work extended hours and weekends, as required.
•  Varying weather conditions
•  100% of work is performed outdoor

Physical Requirements:
•  Ability to operate ATV and obtain Company certification
•  Ability to navigate uneven terrain

Requirements:
•  HS Diploma required, technical coursework preferred.
•  Ability to read, write, speak and understand English; bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) preferred.
•  Previous experience working in vineyard operations.
•  Experience supervising employees with ability to lead, motivate and supervise a team of employees.
•  Strong work ethic, self-managed and the ability to work autonomously with little supervision.
•  Able to communicate and work with all colleagues, vendors, growers and clients in an effective and professional manner.
•  Mechanical knowledge and general farm equipment operation experience.
•  Must have valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
•  History of responsible use of alcohol and other appropriate conduct, as well as fitness to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies.