Horticulturalist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Accommodation may be available

Beautiful working environment in the [

Opportunity to learn and grow within a

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist specializing in Vineyard Management for a Mossel Bay wine estate. The role covers planting, canopy management, pruning, harvesting, pest control, irrigation, and leading a small team on a hands-on estate.

You will drive sustainable viticulture, maintain records, and collaborate with winemaking teams to ensure high-quality fruit and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Several years of practical vineyard management experience.
• Solid understanding of vine physiology, grape varietals, and winemaking principles.
• Knowledge of soil science, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease management in viticulture.
• Ability to operate and maintain vineyard machinery and equipment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard activities including soil prep, planting, trellising, pruning, and shoot thinning.
• Implement and monitor irrigation schedules to optimize vine water status and fruit development.
• Develop and execute integrated pest and disease management programs tailored for vineyards.
• Oversee grape harvesting operations, ensuring fruit quality and efficient logistics.
• Lead, train, and supervise vineyard staff, ensuring safe and efficient work practices.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields for analysis and reporting.

Skills

Vineyard management

Viticulture knowledge

Leadership

Irrigation management

Pest and disease management

Soil science

Grape physiology

Winemaking understanding

Canopy management

Vineyard equipment operation

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science

Tools

Vineyard machinery

Irrigation equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturalist with a specialization in Vineyard Management to join their esteemed wine estate in Mossel Bay . This hands-on role involves overseeing all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and pruning to canopy management and grape harvesting, ensuring the production of high-quality fruit. You will be responsible for vineyard health, pest and disease control, irrigation management, and leading a small team of vineyard workers. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of viticulture and a commitment to sustainable practices, contributing to the creation of exceptional wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard activities, including soil preparation, planting, trellising, pruning, and shoot thinning.
• Implement and monitor irrigation schedules to optimize vine water status and fruit development.
• Develop and execute integrated pest and disease management programs tailored for vineyards.
• Oversee grape harvesting operations, ensuring fruit quality and efficient logistics.
• Lead, train, and supervise vineyard staff, ensuring safe and efficient work practices.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields for analysis and reporting.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Several years of practical experience in vineyard management.
• Solid understanding of vine physiology, grape varietals, and winemaking principles.
• Knowledge of soil science, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease management in viticulture.
• Ability to operate and maintain vineyard machinery and equipment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Accommodation may be available.
• Opportunities to learn and grow within the wine industry.
• A beautiful working environment in the heart of the winelands.
• Be part of producing premium quality wines in Mossel Bay .