Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical coverage

On-site accommodation or housing_allow

Annual leave and sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on managing all aspects of grape cultivation, from establishment to harvest, ensuring vine health and premium grape quality for winemaking.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in viticulture, knowledge of KwaZulu-Natal grape varietals, and strong leadership and organizational skills to manage staff and vineyard operations on a full-time basis.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agronomy or related field
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on viticulture experience
• Knowledge of grape varietals suitable for KwaZulu-Natal climate and soils

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily vineyard operations for vine health and productivity
• Develop and implement vineyard plans: pruning, trellising, canopy management, shoot thinning
• Monitor soil health and manage irrigation and fertilization
• Identify and manage pests and diseases using IPM and sustainable practices
• Plan and supervise planting, grafting, and mechanization
• Lead vineyard staff with training and supervision
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yields, quality assessments
• Collaborate with winemaking team to ensure grape quality

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Horticulture/Viticulture/Agronomy

Job description

Showing 1 Horticulturalist Viticulture Specialist jobs in Richards Bay

Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist

3930 Placements24

Posted today

Job Description

full-time

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard and winery located in the picturesque region of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturalist with a specialization in Viticulture. This role is crucial for managing all aspects of grape cultivation, from vineyard establishment and maintenance to harvesting, with a focus on producing high-quality grapes for premium wines. You will be responsible for ensuring the health and productivity of the vines, implementing sustainable viticultural practices, and contributing to the overall success of the estate. The ideal candidate possesses in-depth knowledge of grape varietals, soil management, pest and disease control, and modern vineyard technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a beautiful setting and contribute to the creation of exceptional wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the vineyards, ensuring the health, vitality, and productivity of the grapevines.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Monitor soil health and implement appropriate fertilization and irrigation strategies.
• Identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds using integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable practices.
• Plan and supervise vineyard activities such as planting, grafting, and mechanization.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision to ensure efficient execution of tasks.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and vineyard health assessments.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, crop yields, and quality assessments.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture and horticultural science.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure optimal grape quality for wine production.
• Manage vineyard equipment and ensure its proper maintenance.
• Contribute to the planning and expansion of vineyard areas.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, with a proven track record in managing vineyards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grape varietals suitable for the KwaZulu-Natal climate and soil types.
• Expertise in vineyard establishment, training systems, canopy management, and pruning techniques.
• Strong understanding of vineyard pest and disease management strategies, including organic and sustainable approaches.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in vineyards.
• Proficiency in using vineyard management software and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be physically capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions and performing manual tasks as needed.
• A valid driver's license is essential for navigating the estate and surrounding areas near Richards Bay .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and experience, along with performance-related bonuses. Employees receive comprehensive medical coverage, including access to a network of healthcare providers. On-site accommodation may be available, or a housing allowance will be provided. Opportunities for professional growth are supported through industry workshops, conferences, and further training. Employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and technology. Our client provides generous annual leave and sick leave allowances. A retirement fund contribution is part of the package. We pride ourselves on a positive and collaborative work environment, fostering a passion for winemaking and a respect for the land.