Remote Viticulturist: Lead Premium Grape Quality

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with performance‑dr

Health insurance and retirement plan

Professional growth through training

Vehicle for site visits

Home office setup allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to remotely support vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on grape cultivation science, canopy management, irrigation, pest control, and harvest planning.

You will travel to the Limpopo sites, supervise crews, collaborate with winemakers, and implement sustainable practices. A Masters or PhD and at least five years in vineyard management are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Pomology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive vineyard management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and climate interactions.
• Proven experience in managing vineyard pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their cultivation needs.
• Experience with vineyard technology, including precision agriculture tools (desirable).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to travel regularly to vineyard sites in Limpopo.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans including planting, trellising, and pruning.
• Monitor vine health, growth stages, and vineyard conditions during the season.
• Manage irrigation systems for water efficiency and vine health.
• Implement pest, disease, and weed management using sustainable practices.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to guide nutrient management.
• Supervise vineyard crews, providing training and direction.
• Oversee harvesting to ensure fruit quality and ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers on grape quality and timing.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yields and inputs.
• Stay current with viticulture and enology research.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication skills

Leadership

Travel readiness

Precision agriculture tools

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Pomology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field

Tools

Precision agriculture tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to remotely support vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on grape cultivation science, canopy management, irrigation, pest control, and harvest planning.

You will travel to the Limpopo sites, supervise crews, collaborate with winemakers, and implement sustainable practices. A Masters or PhD and at least five years in vineyard management are required.