Lead Viticulture Agronomist — Cape Town On-Site

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement benefits

Wine discounts

Accommodation options

Professional development opportunities

Housing allowance

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prestigious vineyard and wine estate in the Cape Town region. They seek a Lead Agronomist with advanced viticulture expertise to manage the estate's vineyard operations and drive high-quality grape production on site.

The candidate will lead a team, collaborate with winemaking, and implement cutting-edge practices to enhance vine health, grape quality, and sustainable cultivation across terroirs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Viticulture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or closely related field.
• Minimum 8 years of specialized vineyard management and viticulture experience.
• Proven expertise in South African grape varietals and terroir.
• Strong knowledge of vineyard pests, diseases, and IPM strategies.
• Experience with soil science, plant physiology, and irrigation management for viticulture.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard data management software and analytical tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive vineyard management plans focusing on viticultural best practices.
• Conduct soil analysis, water management strategies, and nutrient programs.
• Monitor vine health, identify diseases/pests, and apply effective control measures.
• Oversee pruning, trellising, canopy management, and harvesting.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize water status and grape quality.
• Lead and mentor vineyard staff with high work and safety standards.
• Collaborate with winemaking to align grape quality with production targets.
• Research and adopt new viticultural technologies to improve yield and quality.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, inputs, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainability.

Skills

Viticulture expertise

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Data analysis

Leadership

Irrigation management

Soil science

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Viticulture / Agronomy / Horticulture

Tools

Vineyard data management software

Analytical tools

Job description

Placements24 represents a prestigious vineyard and wine estate in the Cape Town region. They seek a Lead Agronomist with advanced viticulture expertise to manage the estate's vineyard operations and drive high-quality grape production on site.

The candidate will lead a team, collaborate with winemaking, and implement cutting-edge practices to enhance vine health, grape quality, and sustainable cultivation across terroirs.