Horticulturist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wine estate access and professional de

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Horticulturist specialized in Viticulture to join a premium wine producer in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on managing vineyard health, optimizing yields, and supporting winemaking with close collaboration with the winery team.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture-related fields and at least 5 years of viticulture experience, with a hybrid on-site/off-site mix and opportunities for remote data analysis and planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in horticulture related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in viticulture and vineyard management.
• Knowledge of grape varietals, vine physiology and terroir.
• Experience with pest and disease management and IPM.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily vineyard operations: pruning, training, canopy management, irrigation.
• Monitor vine health, pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies.
• Implement sustainable viticulture practices to enhance quality and sustainability.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient and irrigation strategies.
• Manage vineyard yield and quality for winemaking requirements.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with winemaking team on grape needs and fermentation requirements.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities and crop performance.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff adhering to safety standards.

Skills

Vineyard management

IPM knowledge

Attention to detail

Team supervision

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned producer of premium wines, is seeking a talented Horticulturist with a specialization in Viticulture to join their esteemed team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is crucial for managing and optimizing their vineyard operations to ensure the highest quality grape production. You will be responsible for all aspects of vine health, vineyard management, and yield optimization, employing both traditional knowledge and innovative techniques. The position involves a hybrid work model, requiring regular on-site presence in the vineyards and winery facilities in Port Elizabeth, with opportunities for remote data analysis and planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of vineyards, including pruning, training, canopy management, and irrigation.
• Monitor vine health, identify and manage pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Implement and manage sustainable viticulture practices to enhance grape quality and vineyard sustainability.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient management and irrigation strategies.
• Manage vineyard yield and quality to meet the specific requirements for winemaking.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment, ensuring efficient and safe usage.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to understand grape needs and fermentation requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and crop performance.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety standards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture and vineyard management, preferably in a wine-producing region.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals, vine physiology, and terroir.
• Experience with pest and disease identification and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems, soil management, and vineyard mechanization.
• Strong understanding of quality control principles in grape production for winemaking.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and experience supervising field staff.
• Willingness to work on-site in Port Elizabeth and adapt to seasonal demands.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance and other employee benefits.
• Access to excellent wine and opportunities to learn about the winemaking process.
• Professional development opportunities within a respected wine estate.
• Stunning work environment in the Eastern Cape region.
• Contribution to the production of high-quality wines.
• A blend of field-based and analytical work in a hybrid model.