Viticulturist (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

SUMMARY
This position is responsible for teaching viticulture courses in a traditional, face-to-face environment as well as managing wine growing efforts (commercial and research) in the college vineyard. The HCC V&E Program has three vineyards near the Wamego Campus (Wamego, KS) totaling approximately 5000 vines, 3000 of which will bear the first harvest in 2018. One vineyard is a research plot (44 varieties). The others consist of Chambourcin, Traminette, Norton, Marquette, and Vignoles. The Viticulturist’s teaching load includes 9-15 credits per academic year including industry-based workshops around Kansas. The Viticulturist will assist in extension and mentoring duties for the Kansas grape and wine industry, and s/he will participate in industry conferences throughout the Midwest and the annual VESTA Summit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
The following are essential. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Collaborate with V&E Department staff to manage and perform day-to-day activities at the college vineyard year around including vineyard equipment maintenance and managing vineyard students/interns/volunteers.
2. Teach 9-15 credit hours per academic year. Conducting “field workshops” may count as partial credit hour teaching load.
3. Serve as a vineyard “extension agent” including consulting for the Kansas grape and wine industry.
4. Attend and participate in selected industry conferences including the annual VESTA Summit.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for supervision of students in class setting. May supervise student workers/interns. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS 
Bachelor's Degree or higher in viticulture, horticulture, or related field of study. Experience working in a vineyard is essential. Computer literacy required. Experience with hybrid grape varieties and mechanization preferred. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. E.O.E.


PROGRAM INFORMATION
The HCC V&E Program is located in Wamego, KS (www.wamego.org). HCC currently has 8 acres containing approximately 5000 vines. The college winery is transitioning into a winery incubator for startup winemakers, the first such incubator east of the Rocky Mountains. HCC is the Kansas member of the Viticulture and Enology Science Technology Alliance (VESTA). The program was founded in 2009 and is managed by Scott Kohl, a co-Principal Investigator for VESTA. Check the HCC website for maps and more information about the program (www.highlandcc.edu/pages/grapes) as well as the HCC V&E page on Facebook for photos and other links (www.facebook.com/hccve).