Horticulturalist - Sustainable Vineyards Management

Placements24; Cape Town; Vor Ort; ZAR 420.000 - 620.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

WSET courses

Professional development

State-of-the-art equipment

Beautiful setting

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist to manage extensive vineyards in the Western Cape, Cape Town region. You will drive all horticultural practices from soil health to canopy management, ensuring premium grape production in a sustainable framework.

The role requires a hands-on leader with at least 5 years of commercial vineyard experience, strong IPM and organic principles, and proficiency with vineyard software and precision ag tools.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Knowledge of Western Cape grape varieties and winemaking.
• IPM and organic farming principles.
• Proficiency with vineyard management software and precision ag tools.

Aufgaben

• Manage daily vineyard operations: pruning, training, irrigation, fertilization, pest/disease control.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to improve grape quality.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient and water management.
• Oversee selection and planting of new vines and varietal placement.
• Monitor growth, fruit development, and maturity; provide yield predictions.
• Coordinate with winery staff for timely harvest based on ripeness.
• Manage vineyard staff; provide training and supervision.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, inputs, and observations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Research and propose techniques to improve resilience and productivity.

Kenntnisse

IPM knowledge

Organic farming

Vineyard management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Viticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Vineyard management software

Precision agriculture tools

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a renowned producer of premium wines, is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist with expertise in vineyard management to join their esteemed team. This exciting opportunity is situated in the picturesque region of Cape Town, Western Cape . The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of horticultural practices within their extensive vineyards, ensuring the highest quality grape production while adhering to stringent sustainability standards. This role demands a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of viticulture, from soil health to canopy management. You will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity and reputation of their world-class wines through meticulous horticultural stewardship. This is a non-remote position requiring your presence on-site to effectively manage vineyard operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily vineyard operations, including pruning, training, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Implement and monitor sustainable viticultural practices to enhance grape quality and vineyard health.
• Conduct regular soil and plant tissue analysis to inform nutrient and water management strategies.
• Oversee the selection and planting of new vines, ensuring optimal varietal selection and placement.
• Monitor vine growth, fruit development, and maturity, providing accurate yield predictions.
• Coordinate with winery staff to ensure timely and optimal harvesting based on grape ripeness.
• Manage vineyard labor, providing training and supervision to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and observations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulations.
• Research and propose innovative techniques to improve vineyard resilience and productivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals suitable for the Western Cape climate and winemaking.
• Strong understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic farming principles.
• Proficiency in using vineyard management software and precision agriculture tools.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage a team and delegate tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• A passion for wine and viticulture is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and benefits designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, retirement fund contributions, and an annual performance bonus. Opportunities for professional development, including WSET wine courses and international viticulture symposiums, are provided. You will work in a beautiful setting with access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and a supportive team environment. The role offers a chance to contribute directly to the creation of award-winning wines in a globally recognized wine-producing region.