Viticulturist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Vineyard tech access

Wine region exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Mbombela (Nelspruit) seeks a Viticulturist to lead vineyard operations for high-quality grape production. You will oversee planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest control, harvesting, and meticulous record-keeping with a focus on sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Viticulture or related field with 4+ years of vineyard experience and strong knowledge of vine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease control.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of vineyard management or viticulture experience.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevines physiology, soil science, and pest/disease control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, trellising, pruning, and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and water requirements, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies for grapevines.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize vine performance and water conservation.
• Plan and oversee grape harvesting to ensure optimal fruit quality and maturity.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including yields, treatments, and climate data.

Skills

Viticulture

Soil management

Pest control

Irrigation management

Harvest planning

Education

Degree in Viticulture

Tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a knowledgeable Viticulturist to manage their vineyards in the Nelspruit region. This role is focused on the cultivation of grapes for wine and other products, requiring expertise in vine health, soil management, pest control, and sustainable viticultural practices. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and pruning to canopy management and harvesting, ensuring the production of high-quality fruit. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of grape varietals, climate impact, and the science behind premium grape cultivation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, trellising, pruning, and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and water requirements, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies specific to grapevines.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize vine performance and water conservation.
• Plan and oversee grape harvesting to ensure optimal fruit quality and maturity.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including yields, treatments, and climate data.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in vineyard management or viticulture.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease control.
• Experience with irrigation management and vineyard mechanization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to grape cultivation.
• Ability to work outdoors in vineyard conditions and manage seasonal labor.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development within the wine industry.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard technology.
• A unique opportunity to work in a renowned agricultural region.