Lead Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Viticulture tech access

Wine discounts

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Horticulturalist specializing in Viticulture to head our vineyards near George, Western Cape. This hands-on leadership role covers planting, pruning and harvest to ensure premium grape quality for fine wine production.

The successful candidate will manage a team on site, drive sustainable viticulture practices, monitor soil and climate, and coordinate with winemaking teams to align harvest with quality targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Deep knowledge of grapevine physiology, site selection, and rootstock compatibility.
• Experience with IPM and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all viticultural operations, including planting, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality, yield, and vineyard health.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections, soil testing, and weather monitoring to inform decision-making.
• Manage and lead a team of vineyard workers, providing training, supervision, and performance feedback.
• Research and implement best practices in sustainable viticulture, water management, and soil conservation.
• Coordinate with winemaking teams to ensure grape phenology aligns with harvest schedules and quality targets.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the vineyard operations in George, Western Cape.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Data analysis

Viticulture knowledge

IPM experience

Education

BSc/MSc Horticulture

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Lead Horticulturalist with a specialization in Viticulture to spearhead their esteemed vineyards located near George, Western Cape. This is a hands-on, leadership role focused on the cultivation and management of premium grape varietals. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and pruning to harvest, ensuring the highest quality grapes are produced for fine wine production. Working within the picturesque George, Western Cape region, known for its unique terroir, this role demands a deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science, climate impact, and pest/disease management specific to viticulture. You will lead a dedicated team of vineyard workers, fostering a culture of excellence and precision farming. This position requires a strong commitment to on-site presence, as the optimal management of vineyards necessitates direct supervision and engagement with the land and the vines. Our client values innovation and sustainability, and they are looking for a leader who can drive these principles forward within their viticultural practices in the beautiful George, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all viticultural operations, including vineyard establishment, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality, yield, and vineyard health.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections, soil testing, and weather monitoring to inform decision-making.
• Manage and lead a team of vineyard workers, providing training, supervision, and performance feedback.
• Research and implement best practices in sustainable viticulture, water management, and soil conservation.
• Coordinate with winemaking teams to ensure grape phenology aligns with harvest schedules and quality targets.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the vineyard operations in George, Western Cape.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture and vineyard management, with a proven track record of managing high-quality vineyards.
• Expert knowledge of grapevine physiology, clonal selection, rootstock compatibility, and vineyard site selection.
• Strong understanding of climate influences, soil types, and their impact on grape varietals prevalent in the George region.
• Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable farming practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
< li>A passion for winemaking and an understanding of the relationship between vineyard practices and wine quality.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting your expertise and leadership.
• Performance-based bonuses tied to vineyard and wine quality.
• Company-provided accommodation or housing allowance.
• Access to cutting-edge viticultural technologies and experimental plots.
• Opportunities to attend international wine and viticulture conferences.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund contributions.
• A unique opportunity to work in one of South Africa's most renowned wine-growing regions.
• Employee discounts on wine purchases.