Vineyard Horticulturist & Viticulture Lead

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Access to vineyard equipment

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a skilled Horticulturist with a Viticulture focus to manage vineyards and optimize grape quality. The role covers planting, pruning, pest control, and harvest, with a focus on premium grape production.

The candidate will lead vineyard operations, supervise seasonal staff, and work with winemakers to ensure high-quality grapes for wine production or other uses in the local climate and soil conditions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science or related field.
• Proven experience in vineyard management and grape cultivation.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, diseases and pest management.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their growing requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems and soil management techniques.
• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of vineyards, including vine pruning, training, and canopy management.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect grapevines.
• Monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and overall vine health, adjusting management practices accordingly.
• Plan and manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines.
• Supervise seasonal vineyard staff, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to high standards.
• Coordinate grape harvesting activities to ensure optimal ripeness and quality, working closely with winemakers or processors.

Skills

Grape cultivation

Vineyard management

Leadership

Pest management

Irrigation management

Education

Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science

Job description

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a skilled Horticulturist with a Viticulture focus to manage vineyards and optimize grape quality. The role covers planting, pruning, pest control, and harvest, with a focus on premium grape production.

The candidate will lead vineyard operations, supervise seasonal staff, and work with winemakers to ensure high-quality grapes for wine production or other uses in the local climate and soil conditions.