Vineyard Viticulturist & Manager — Lead Quality & Harvest

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Accommodation on or near the vineyard

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development and travel

Unique working environment

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager to lead our client’s vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will plan and execute vineyard establishment, canopy management, irrigation, IPM, and harvest strategies to deliver premium grapes.

The role requires a degree in viticulture or related field and at least five years of progressive vineyard leadership experience, with strong data-driven decision making and staff supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in viticulture, horticulture, agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years progressive viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling and water management in vineyards.
• Ability to lead staff and coordinate operations in field and office.
• Knowledge of climate considerations and pest/disease management is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard operations, from site selection and planting to harvest and post-harvest care.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines, considering climate and soil conditions.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies to protect the vineyard from threats while minimizing chemical interventions.
• Monitor vine health, grape development, and soil conditions, making data-driven decisions for crop management.
• Manage vineyard labor, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee vineyard block health, ensuring uniformity and quality of fruit.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis and interpret results to guide fertilization and nutrient management.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in viticulture.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices.

Skills

Viticulture

Vineyard management

Irrigation scheduling

Data management

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager to lead our client’s vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will plan and execute vineyard establishment, canopy management, irrigation, IPM, and harvest strategies to deliver premium grapes.

The role requires a degree in viticulture or related field and at least five years of progressive vineyard leadership experience, with strong data-driven decision making and staff supervision.