Viticulture Specialist - Vineyard Sustainability

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Home office stipend

Retirement plan

Remote team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulture Specialist to lead sustainable vineyard initiatives remotely. You will optimize vineyard health, improve grape quality, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact through research into water-use efficiency, soil health, IPM, and biodiversity.

The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, collaboration with global vineyard managers and research teams, and shaping sustainable wine production practices from anywhere.

Responsibilities

• Research and implement advanced sustainable viticulture practices across diverse vineyard sites.
• Improve water-use efficiency with smart irrigation and drought-tolerant grape varieties.
• Develop soil health programs: cover crops, reduced tillage, organic amendments.
• Apply IPM strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
• Promote biodiversity and ecological balance in vineyard ecosystems.
• Analyze vineyard data (sensor data, yield, weather) to guide decisions.
• Collaborate with vineyard managers and winemakers to meet quality and sustainability goals.
• Stay current with research and best practices in sustainable viticulture and enology.
• Contribute to educational materials and staff training on sustainability.
• Prepare reports and case studies on sustainability initiatives and outcomes.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and forward-thinking Viticulture Specialist to lead their sustainable vineyard initiatives. This role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise to optimizing vineyard practices from anywhere. The specialist will focus on developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance vineyard health, improve grape quality, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact. This includes research into water-use efficiency, soil health management, integrated pest and disease management (IPM), and biodiversity enhancement within vineyards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grape growing, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to cutting-edge sustainable viticulture. You will collaborate with vineyard managers and research teams globally, leveraging data and scientific knowledge to drive improvements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable wine production through remote leadership and innovation, influencing practices relevant to regions like East London, Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and implement advanced sustainable viticulture practices across diverse vineyard sites.
• Focus on improving water-use efficiency through smart irrigation technologies and drought-tolerant grape varietals.
• Develop and oversee soil health management programs, including cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments.
• Implement and refine integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
• Promote biodiversity and ecological balance within vineyard ecosystems.
• Analyze vineyard data (e.g., sensor data, yield records, weather patterns) to inform management decisions and track sustainability metrics.
• Collaborate with vineyard managers and winemakers to ensure grape quality meets high standards while adhering to sustainability goals.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, technologies, and best practices in sustainable viticulture and enology.
• Contribute to educational materials and training programs for vineyard staff and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and case studies on sustainability initiatives and their outcomes.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field with a strong focus on sustainable practices.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture or vineyard management, with a demonstrated emphasis on sustainability.
• In-depth knowledge of grape physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and vineyard operations.
• Experience with precision viticulture technologies, including sensor networks and data analysis tools.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, particularly in a remote setting.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage projects, and drive initiatives forward remotely.
• Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.
• Knowledge of organic or biodynamic farming principles is a plus.
• Familiarity with wine industry standards and quality assessment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for relevant courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Home office setup allowance and ongoing remote work support.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the sustainability of the wine industry.
• Flexible remote work schedule and a supportive virtual team culture.
• Access to a global network of viticulture and winemaking professionals.