Horticultural Technologist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rate

Publish findings

Facilities access

Flexible work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticultural Technologist with a viticulture focus to advance grape cultivation and vineyard management near Centurion, Gauteng. You will design field trials, analyze data, and collaborate with researchers to improve wine and table grape quality.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Horticulture or related field, a Master's preferred, and at least five years in viticulture or related research, with strong writing and reporting skills for scientific

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced research responsibilities.
• Minimum 5 years in viticulture or related field with R/SAS/SPSS experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field trials for grape varietals and vineyard management techniques.
• Monitor vineyard health, pest/disease scouting, nutrient status, and canopy management.
• Analyze data from field experiments using statistical software and report findings.
• Develop sustainable viticulture practices, including water management and soil health.
• Operate and maintain specialized horticultural research equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for conferences and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with winemakers and agricultural professionals to align practices with product quality goals.
• Provide guidance to vineyard managers and farm workers.
• Stay updated on viticulture science and technology advancements.
• Assist in grant proposals and new research funding.

Skills

Field trials

Statistical analysis

Viticulture knowledge

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Fieldwork readiness

Education

Bachelor in Horticulture/Viticulture

Master's degree preferred

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned viticulture research institute located near Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Horticultural Technologist with a specialization in viticulture. This role is crucial for advancing grape cultivation techniques, optimizing vineyard management, and enhancing grape quality for wine and table grape production. The ideal candidate will be adept at applying scientific principles to practical horticultural challenges, conducting research trials, and disseminating findings to growers. You will work closely with a team of scientists and researchers, contributing to projects focused on climate resilience, disease resistance, and sustainable vineyard practices. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the cutting edge of viticulture research and development in a challenging yet rewarding environment. The position demands a blend of technical expertise, research acumen, and excellent reporting capabilities. Your work will directly influence vineyard productivity and the quality of South African wines and table grapes. We are committed to fostering an environment of discovery and collaboration, providing you with the resources to excel in your field.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field trials related to grape varietal performance, rootstock evaluation, and vineyard management techniques.
• Conduct regular monitoring of vineyard health, including pest and disease scouting, nutrient status assessment, and canopy management evaluation.
• Collect, process, and analyze data from field experiments and farm operations using statistical software.
• Assist in the development and refinement of sustainable viticulture practices, including water management, soil health, and integrated pest management.
• Operate and maintain specialized horticultural equipment and research instrumentation.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific conferences and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with winemakers and other agricultural professionals to align vineyard practices with end-product quality goals.
• Provide technical guidance and support to vineyard managers and farm workers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture science and technology.
• Contribute to grant proposals and seek funding for new research initiatives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• A Master's degree is highly preferred.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in viticulture or a related horticultural field, with a strong emphasis on research and development.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field trials and experiments.
• Excellent understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science, entomology, and pathology relevant to viticulture.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and data management.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Familiarity with South African wine regions and grape production systems.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate and potential for project extensions.
• Exposure to cutting-edge viticulture research and technology.
• Opportunity to publish findings in scientific journals.
• Networking opportunities within the wine and agricultural industries.
• Access to advanced research facilities and equipment.
• Flexible working arrangements within the project scope.
• Contribution to the advancement of South African viticulture.