Viticulture Specialist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation

Health coverage

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Viticulture Specialist to oversee vineyard operations at a renowned wine estate near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This hybrid role combines hands-on vineyard management with data analysis and reporting conducted remotely.

You will optimize grape production through advanced viticultural practices, monitor vine health, and collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure high-quality grapes for premium wines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of grape physiology, soil science, climate impacts, and pest and disease management.
• Experience with precision viticulture technologies is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans including pruning, irrigation, and nutrient application.
• Monitor grapevine health and development through the season and address issues proactively.
• Manage IPM-based pest and disease control programs.
• Oversee vineyard sanitation and hygiene protocols.
• Collect and analyze soil, climate, vine performance, and grape quality data.
• Determine harvest timing based on maturity and quality indicators.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet grape quality specs.
• Supervise vineyard staff and provide training.
• Stay current with viticulture research and technology.

Skills

Viticulture knowledge

Pest & disease management

Data analysis

Leadership & teamwork

Canopy management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate, is seeking a skilled Viticulture Specialist to oversee vineyard operations. This hybrid role involves hands-on vineyard management, crop planning, and analysis, with a blend of on-site work at the estate near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , and remote opportunities for data analysis and reporting. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality grape production, employing advanced viticultural techniques to optimize yield and grape characteristics for premium winemaking. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil management, pest and disease control specific to grapevines, and sustainable vineyard practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and nutrient application.
• Monitor grapevine health, growth, and grape development throughout the season, identifying and addressing issues proactively.
• Manage pest and disease control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Oversee vineyard sanitation and hygiene protocols.
• Collect and analyze data related to soil conditions, climate, vine performance, and grape quality.
• Make informed decisions on harvest timing based on grape maturity and quality indicators.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets specific requirements.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in viticulture research and technology.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in viticulture and vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, climate impacts on grape growing, and pest/disease management for vineyards.
• Experience with precision viticulture techniques and relevant technologies is a strong asset.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret vineyard data for decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing responsibilities across on-site and remote tasks.
• Passion for producing high-quality grapes for premium wine production.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including accommodation options, health coverage, and opportunities for professional growth within the wine industry. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring crucial on-site vineyard management. You will work in a beautiful setting in the Mpumalanga region, contributing to the production of exceptional wines. Join a dedicated team focused on excellence in viticulture and winemaking.