Vineyard Foreman

Helderberg Personnel; Stellenbosch; Presencial; ZAR 180.000 - 240.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Helderberg Personnel seeks a hands-on Vineyard Operations Supervisor to coordinate daily vineyard activities across the growing season. You will lead staff, tractor operators and contract workers, ensuring productivity, quality, and adherence to safety standards.

The role requires practical viticulture knowledge and ability to manage resources on a busy farm near Stellenbosch. Key duties include planning pruning, harvesting, irrigation and maintenance, monitoring vine health and grape

Formación

• Experience in vineyard operations, preferably with supervisory duties.
• Knowledge of viticulture, irrigation and grape-growing practices.
• Experience with tractors and agricultural equipment.
• Ability to supervise staff and contract teams; strong safety mindset.

Responsabilidades

• Coordinate daily vineyard operations with Farm Manager.
• Supervise vineyard employees, tractor operators and contract workers.
• Plan and oversee pruning, harvesting, irrigation and maintenance.
• Monitor vine health, grape development, pests and weeds.
• Assist with grape sampling and quality monitoring.
• Oversee irrigation programmes and equipment maintenance.
• Operate tractors and agricultural machinery as needed.
• Manage chemical stocks and safety handling.
• Train new employees and enforce vineyard procedures.
• Maintain clean, safe vineyards and paddocks.
• Uphold health, safety and emergency procedures.
• Assist with cellar operations and other farm activities when required.
• Support Farm Manager with planning and assigned duties.

Conocimientos

Staff supervision

Viticulture knowledge

Irrigation expertise

Tractor operation

Chemical handling

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Planning abilities

Problem solving

Educación

Viticulture qualification

Descripción del empleo

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To coordinate and supervise vineyard activities throughout the growing season, ensuring effective staff management, sound vineyard maintenance, optimal grape quality and compliance with operational and safety standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Coordinate daily vineyard operations in conjunction with the Farm Manager
• Supervise vineyard employees, tractor operators and contract workers, ensuring productivity and quality workmanship
• Plan and oversee seasonal activities, including pruning, harvesting, irrigation and general vineyard maintenance
• Monitor vine health, grape development, pests and weeds, reporting any concerns promptly
• Assist with grape sampling and quality monitoring throughout the growing season
• Oversee irrigation programmes and assist with system maintenance when required
• Operate tractors and agricultural machinery as operationally necessary
• Manage chemical stocks, vineyard supplies and consumables, ensuring responsible handling and usage
• Ensure machinery and equipment are maintained, cleaned and any faults reported
• Train new employees and promote adherence to vineyard procedures and work standards
• Maintain clean, orderly and safe vineyards, paddocks and working areas
• Uphold health, safety and emergency procedures
• Assist with cellar operations, deliveries and other farm-related activities when required
• Support the Farm Manager with operational planning and take ownership of assigned duties

CRITERIA

• Previous experience in vineyard operations, preferably in a supervisory or foreman capacity
• Sound knowledge of viticulture, vineyard maintenance, irrigation and grape-growing practices
• Practical experience with tractors, agricultural equipment and chemical handling
• Proven ability to supervise and motivate employees and contract teams
• A qualification in Viticulture, Agriculture or a related field will be advantageous
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving abilities
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team
• A proactive, dependable and hands-on approach, with the ability to work independently
• A strong commitment to workplace safety, operational standards and grape quality