Viticulturist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with performance‑dr

Health insurance and retirement plan

Professional growth through training

Vehicle for site visits

Home office setup allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to remotely support vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on grape cultivation science, canopy management, irrigation, pest control, and harvest planning.

You will travel to the Limpopo sites, supervise crews, collaborate with winemakers, and implement sustainable practices. A Masters or PhD and at least five years in vineyard management are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Pomology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive vineyard management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and climate interactions.
• Proven experience in managing vineyard pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their cultivation needs.
• Experience with vineyard technology, including precision agriculture tools (desirable).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to travel regularly to vineyard sites in Limpopo.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans including planting, trellising, and pruning.
• Monitor vine health, growth stages, and vineyard conditions during the season.
• Manage irrigation systems for water efficiency and vine health.
• Implement pest, disease, and weed management using sustainable practices.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to guide nutrient management.
• Supervise vineyard crews, providing training and direction.
• Oversee harvesting to ensure fruit quality and ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers on grape quality and timing.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yields and inputs.
• Stay current with viticulture and enology research.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication skills

Leadership

Travel readiness

Precision agriculture tools

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Pomology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field

Tools

Precision agriculture tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned producer of premium wines, is seeking a passionate and experienced Viticulturist to join their team, remotely supporting vineyard operations near Polokwane, Limpopo . This role focuses on the science and management of grape cultivation, ensuring the highest quality fruit is produced for winemaking. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, including site selection, planting, canopy management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting. The successful candidate will leverage scientific principles and data analysis to optimize vineyard performance, enhance grape quality, and promote sustainable viticultural practices. While the role is remote, it requires regular travel to the vineyard sites in the Limpopo region for hands‑on assessment and supervision. You will work closely with vineyard crews, winemakers, and management to achieve strategic goals. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world‑class wine production through remote expertise and dedicated site oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including planting, trellising, and pruning strategies.
• Monitor vine health, growth stages, and vineyard conditions throughout the growing season.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use efficiency and vine health.
• Implement integrated pest, disease, and weed management programs using sustainable practices.
• Conduct regular soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.
• Supervise vineyard crews, providing training and direction on cultivation tasks.
• Oversee harvesting operations to ensure fruit quality and optimal ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers to understand grape quality requirements and harvest timing.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yields, and inputs.
• Stay current with research and advancements in viticulture and enology.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Pomology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in vineyard management.
• In‑depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and climate interactions.
• Proven experience in managing vineyard pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their specific cultivation needs.
• Experience with vineyard technology, including precision agriculture tools, is desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to travel regularly to vineyard sites in the Limpopo region.
• Commitment to sustainable and environmentally sound farming practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a performance‑based bonus system.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth through industry conferences and further training are supported.
• The company provides a vehicle for site visits and an allowance for home office setup.
• Experience the satisfaction of producing exceptional grapes for award‑winning wines, with the flexibility of a remote role complemented by essential on‑site engagement in the beautiful Polokwane area.