Senior Viticulturist: Lead Premium Vineyard Management

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

On-site accommodation

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard management in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on soil prep, planting, and harvesting to produce premium quality grapes for world-class wines.

It is a hands-on, on-site position requiring deep horticultural knowledge and strong leadership. The successful candidate will bring at least 6 years' experience in commercial vineyard management, IPM proficiency, irrigation know-how, and a collaborative approach with winemaking

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy or related agricultural science.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in commercial vineyard management.
• Deep understanding of grape varietal characteristics and terroirs.
• Proven IPM experience and pest/disease management.
• Strong irrigation, soil science and plant nutrition knowledge.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency with farm management software and data analysis.
• Valid driver's license and readiness to work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitor vineyard health, pests, diseases, and weeds; implement sustainable practices.
• Manage irrigation systems and water usage efficiently.
• Oversee pruning, canopy management and other vineyard tasks.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to guide nutrient management.
• Supervise staff, provide training, ensure safety compliance.
• Maintain records of vineyard input usage, yield and quality data.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet style requirements.
• Research and adopt new viticultural technologies and methods.

Skills

Leadership

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Irrigation management

Soil science & plant nutrition

Data analysis

Farm management software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard management in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on soil prep, planting, and harvesting to produce premium quality grapes for world-class wines.

It is a hands-on, on-site position requiring deep horticultural knowledge and strong leadership. The successful candidate will bring at least 6 years' experience in commercial vineyard management, IPM proficiency, irrigation know-how, and a collaborative approach with winemaking