Horticultural Scientist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Horticultural Scientist specializing in Viticulture in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on advancing grape quality, yield, and disease resistance through rigorous research and practical vineyard applications.

You will conduct field trials, develop IPM strategies, analyze soil and climate data, and collaborate with winemakers to align practices with target wine styles while maintaining detailed records of findings.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' viticulture research and vineyard management experience.
• Deep knowledge of grape physiology, vine nutrition, and pests/diseases in the Western Cape.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting.
• Familiarity with irrigation management, soil science, and climate modeling for viticulture.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and field trials on grape varietals, rootstocks, and vineyard management techniques to optimize quality and yield.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies tailored for vineyards.
• Analyze soil and climate data to provide recommendations for site selection, planting, and irrigation.
• Monitor vineyard health, nutrient status, and grape phenology, making data-driven decisions for crop care.
• Advise vineyard managers and teams on pruning, canopy management, and harvest timing.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental factors on grape composition and wine quality potential.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture, enology, and sustainable farming practices globally.
• Collaborate with enologists and winemakers to align vineyard practices with desired wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of research activities, experimental results, and operational data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Field and lab work

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Horticulture/Viticulture/Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a renowned leader in the agricultural sector, particularly celebrated for its premium wine production. Located in the picturesque region of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, we are seeking a highly qualified Horticultural Scientist with a specialization in Viticulture. This role is critical for advancing our grape cultivation practices, focusing on enhancing grape quality, yield, and disease resistance through scientific research and practical application. You will play a key role in our vineyard management, contributing to the renowned quality of our produce and exploring innovative techniques for sustainable viticulture in this unique coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and field trials on grape varietals, rootstocks, and vineyard management techniques to optimize quality and yield.


• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies tailored for vineyards.


• Analyze soil and climate data to provide recommendations for site selection, planting, and irrigation.


• Monitor vineyard health, nutrient status, and grape phenology, making data-driven decisions for crop care.


• Advise vineyard managers and teams on best practices in pruning, canopy management, and harvest timing.


• Evaluate the impact of environmental factors on grape composition and wine quality potential.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture, enology, and sustainable farming practices globally.


• Collaborate with enologists and winemakers to align vineyard practices with desired wine styles.


• Maintain detailed records of research activities, experimental results, and operational data.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.


• A minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in viticulture research and vineyard management.


• In-depth knowledge of grape physiology, vine nutrition, and common pests and diseases affecting vineyards in the Western Cape.


• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting.


• Familiarity with irrigation management, soil science, and climate modeling relevant to viticulture.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.


• Ability to work in both field and laboratory settings, with flexibility for remote data analysis and reporting.


• Passion for viticulture and contributing to high-quality wine production.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional development in the field of viticulture. You will be part of a respected institution in Mossel Bay, working with state-of-the-art facilities and contributing to world-class agricultural products. This role provides a unique blend of scientific inquiry and practical application within the heart of South Africa's renowned agricultural regions.