Senior Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Presencial; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary

Accommodation on or near estate

Medical benefits

Wine access

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Horticulturalist with viticulture expertise near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will manage and optimize vineyards, apply canopy management, prune and trellis systems, monitor vine health, and implement IPM strategies to ensure world-class grapes.

The ideal candidate holds a degree or diploma in Horticulture or Viticulture, 7+ years of hands-on experience, deep knowledge of grapevine physiology and terroir, and strong leadership to supervise vineyard staff

Qualificações

• Degree or diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agriculture or related field.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on viticulture experience in vineyard management.
• Deep knowledge of grapevine physiology, varietal characteristics and terroir.
• Experience with pest and disease management in vineyards.
• Understanding of soil health and nutrient management for grapevines.
• Familiarity with irrigation techniques and water management in viticulture.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee vineyard management and operations for grape cultivation in Richards Bay region.
• Implement best viticulture practices including canopy management, pruning, and trellising systems.
• Monitor vine health, pests and diseases, and apply IPM strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize water usage and vine performance.
• Conduct soil analysis and implement nutrient management plans.
• Supervise vineyard staff and ensure safety protocols.
• Plan and manage harvest operations for optimal grape quality.
• Stay updated on viticulture research and technologies.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Team management

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Viticulture knowledge

Formação académica

Degree or diploma in Horticulture/Viticulture/Agriculture

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a premier wine estate and producer renowned for its exceptional quality wines, is seeking a dedicated Senior Horticulturalist with specialized expertise in viticulture. Located near the picturesque coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , this role is central to managing and optimizing the vineyards to produce world-class grapes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of vine physiology, soil management, pest and disease control specific to viticulture, and sustainable vineyard practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend scientific knowledge with practical application in one of South Africa's emerging agricultural regions. You will be responsible for the health, productivity, and long-term sustainability of our client's vineyards, ensuring the highest standards are maintained from budburst to harvest.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management and operations for grape cultivation in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Implement best practices in viticulture, including canopy management, pruning, and trellising systems.
• Monitor vine health, identify pests and diseases, and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize water usage and vine performance.
• Conduct soil analysis and implement nutrient management plans to ensure optimal vine nutrition.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Plan and manage harvest operations to ensure optimal grape quality and timely collection.
• Stay updated on the latest research and technologies in viticulture and enology.
• Contribute to vineyard development and expansion projects as required.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in viticulture, with a proven track record in vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, varietal characteristics, and terroir.
• Experience with pest and disease management specific to vineyards.
• Understanding of soil health and nutrient management for grapevines.
• Familiarity with irrigation techniques and water management in viticulture.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of the unique climatic and soil conditions in KwaZulu-Natal would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, accommodation on or near the estate, and comprehensive medical benefits.
• Employees enjoy a beautiful working environment, access to the company's wines, and opportunities for professional growth within the esteemed wine industry.
• This role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal provides a chance to be part of a legacy of quality winemaking and contribute significantly to the success of a top-tier wine producer.