Viticulture Technician - Stellenbosch

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Staff discounts on wine

Exclusive winery events

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a prestigious Stellenbosch winery, seeks a skilled Viticulture Technician to manage grapevines and optimize quality throughout the growing cycle.

You will work with the viticulturist, perform pruning, irrigation, pest monitoring, and data collection, and mentor seasonal staff. A relevant diploma, 3 years' vineyard experience, and a valid driver’s license are required; competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years' practical vineyard/viticulture experience.
• Hands-on experience with pruning, spraying, and trellising systems.
• Knowledge of common grapevine pests and diseases and their management.
• Proficiency in operating tractors and other vineyard machinery.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and soil science principles.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours during harvest and planting.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute vineyard operations: pruning, training, canopy management, shoot thinning.
• Set irrigation schedules and monitor soil moisture for vine hydration.
• Inspect vineyard for pests, diseases and deficiencies; implement controls.
• Operate and maintain tractors, sprayers, and harvesting equipment.
• Collect data for vineyard performance: yield estimates, berry analysis, growth measurements.
• Apply IPM and water conservation practices.
• Supervise seasonal vineyard workers during harvest and spraying.
• Contribute to vineyard mapping and block management development.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations compliance in Stellenbosch.
• Assist Viticulturist in research trials and adoption of new viticultural technologies.

Skills

Observational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Tractor operation

Vineyard machinery operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious and innovative winery in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Viticulture Technician. This role is crucial for the management and cultivation of premium grapevines, ensuring the highest quality fruit production for world-class wines. The successful candidate will work closely with the viticulturist and vineyard team, applying scientific principles and practical techniques to optimize vineyard health, yield, and grape quality. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the renowned Western Cape wine industry and be involved in every stage of the grape-growing cycle. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical aptitude, a passion for viticulture, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices. They will be instrumental in maintaining the vineyard's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of all vineyard operations, including pruning, training, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Implement irrigation schedules and monitor soil moisture levels to ensure optimal vine hydration.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections to identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, and implement appropriate management strategies.
• Operate and maintain vineyard machinery and equipment, including tractors, sprayers, and harvesting equipment.
• Assist in data collection for vineyard performance monitoring, including yield estimation, berry analysis, and growth measurements.
• Implement and monitor sustainable viticultural practices, including integrated pest management (IPM) and water conservation.
• Supervise seasonal vineyard workers during peak periods such as harvest and spraying.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of vineyard mapping and block management systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the vineyard operations in Stellenbosch.
• Assist the Viticulturist in research trials and adoption of new viticultural technologies.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in vineyard management or viticulture operations.
• Hands-on experience with various vineyard tasks, including pruning, spraying, and trellising systems.
• Knowledge of common grapevine pests and diseases and their management.
• Proficiency in operating tractors and other vineyard machinery.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and soil science principles.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail are crucial for monitoring vine health in Stellenbosch.
• Willingness to work extended hours during critical periods like harvest and planting.
• Valid driver's license.
• Familiarity with the unique terroir and challenges of the Western Cape wine region is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Medical aid.
• Retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development within the dynamic wine industry.
• Direct involvement in the production of award-winning wines and experience working in one of the world's most beautiful and renowned wine regions.
• Collaborative and passionate work environment, dedicated to quality and innovation.
• Staff discounts on wine and access to exclusive winery events.
• Prime opportunity for a skilled technician to advance their career in viticulture in Stellenbosch.