Senior Agronomist - Viticulture

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Company vehicle and travel allowance

Wine tasting privileges and employee/

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agronomist specializing in viticulture for a renowned Stellenbosch winery. You will drive soil health, irrigation planning, pest and disease management, and canopy optimization, blending field work with data-driven analysis.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with the winemaking team, and lead vineyard development projects in South Africa's premier wine region. Hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in agronomy with a focus on viticulture.
• Deep understanding of grape varietal characteristics, soil types, and climate in the Western Cape.
• Proficiency with vineyard management software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for field and office settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans focusing on soil fertility, water management, and canopy management.
• Conduct regular field assessments to monitor vine health and recommend timely interventions.
• Utilize soil and tissue analysis data to optimize nutrient application and irrigation scheduling.
• Oversee vineyard replanting and development projects, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Mentor junior agronomists and vineyard staff, fostering continuous learning.

Skills

Soil health management

Irrigation strategies

Data analysis

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy/Viticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Agronomist with a specialization in viticulture to join their renowned winery in Stellenbosch . This role is integral to managing and enhancing the quality and yield of their vineyards. You will be responsible for soil health management, pest and disease control, irrigation strategies, and vineyard development, utilizing advanced agronomic principles and data analysis. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to blend field work with remote analysis and planning, contributing significantly to the sustainable production of premium grapes. You will work closely with the winemaking team and vineyard staff, driving excellence in every aspect of grape cultivation within a world-class wine region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans focusing on soil fertility, water management, and canopy management.
• Conduct regular field assessments to monitor vine health, identify potential threats (pests, diseases), and recommend timely interventions.
• Utilize soil and tissue analysis data to optimize nutrient application and irrigation scheduling.
• Oversee vineyard replanting and development projects, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Mentor junior agronomists and vineyard staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in agronomy, with a significant focus on viticulture .
• Deep understanding of grape varietal characteristics, soil types, and climate influences in the Western Cape.
• Proficiency with vineyard management software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in both field and office settings.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between field and remote work.
• Company vehicle and travel allowance.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development in viticulture.
• Generous wine tasting privileges and employee discounts at the estate.