Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Randburg; Sur place; ZAR 550 000 - 900 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulture Specialist in the Randburg area to oversee vineyard operations, optimize grape quality, and lead a team across soil health, irrigation, and canopy management.

You will collaborate with the winemaker to meet premium grape standards, implement IPM, and manage data-driven records for yield and quality. A strong sustainability mindset and willingness to be onsite are essential.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related agricultural science.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in commercial viticulture.
• Proven expertise in grape varietal management, canopy manipulation, and yield optimization.
• Strong understanding of soil science, plant physiology, and IPM in vineyards.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Knowledge of wine production requirements and grape quality assessment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with vineyard technologies and data management.
• Understanding of sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Randburg area or commute effectively, with extensive field presence required in Gauteng vineyards.

Responsabilités

• Oversee the daily management of vineyards, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitor vine health, identify pests and diseases, and implement effective control strategies.
• Manage vineyard soil health and nutrient programs.
• Optimize irrigation scheduling for water efficiency and grape quality.
• Conduct regular vineyard assessments to track growth, predict yield, and assess grape maturity.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and ensuring safety compliance.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment and machinery.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to ensure grapes meet specific quality requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and outcomes.

Connaissances

Grape management

Canopy manipulation

Yield optimization

IPM in vineyards

Irrigation systems

Soil & plant science

Leadership

Data management

Formation

Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related agricultural science

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate located in the prestigious Randburg vicinity of Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled Viticulture Specialist. This role is essential for managing and optimizing all aspects of vineyard operations, from soil preparation and vine health to grape quality and yield. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of grape cultivation, sustainable viticultural practices, and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the Gauteng wine-growing region. You will be dedicated to producing world-class grapes for premium wine production within the broader agriculture and forestry landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily management of vineyards, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.


• Monitor vine health, identify pests and diseases, and implement effective control strategies.


• Manage vineyard soil health and nutrient programs.


• Optimize irrigation scheduling for water efficiency and grape quality.


• Conduct regular vineyard assessments to track growth, predict yield, and assess grape maturity.


• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to minimize environmental impact.


• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and ensuring safety compliance.


• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment and machinery.


• Collaborate with the winemaker to ensure grapes meet specific quality requirements.


• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and outcomes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science.


• A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in commercial viticulture.


• Proven expertise in grape varietal management, canopy manipulation, and yield optimization.


• Strong understanding of soil science, plant physiology, and integrated pest management (IPM) in vineyards.


• Experience with irrigation systems and water management techniques.


• Knowledge of wine production requirements and grape quality assessment.


• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.


• Familiarity with vineyard technologies and data management.


• Understanding of sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.


• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Randburg area or commute effectively, with extensive field presence required in Gauteng vineyards.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, alongside performance-based bonuses and comprehensive medical aid. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the reputation of a distinguished wine estate, work with premium grape varietals, and engage in innovative viticultural research. Professional development, including attendance at international viticulture conferences, is encouraged. The role offers full-time on-site engagement at our beautiful vineyard estates near Randburg .