Viticulturist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Wine tasting privileges

Employee discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 on behalf of a renowned winery near Welkom, Free State, seeks an experienced Viticulturist to manage its expansive vineyards. You will oversee planting, canopy management, pest control, and harvest to ensure premium quality grapes for winemaking in a sustainably run operation.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Viticulture/Horticulture, with at least five years of vineyard experience, strong leadership, and hands-on irrigation and spray expertise.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management and grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, diseases, pests, and soil management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, trellis construction, and irrigation management.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management programs to protect grapevines.
• Manage canopy management techniques to optimize fruit exposure and quality.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, making timely adjustments to ensure optimal growth and yield.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training and ensuring safety protocols.
• Coordinate harvest activities, including timing, logistics, and quality assessment.

Skills

Leadership

Pest & disease management

Irrigation management

Canopy management

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Tools

Irrigation systems

Vineyard machinery

Spray application technology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned winery located in the fertile plains near Welkom , Free State , is looking for an experienced Viticulturist to manage its expansive vineyards. This role demands a blend of scientific knowledge and practical expertise in grape cultivation to produce premium wine grapes. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and canopy management to pest control and harvesting, ensuring optimal grape quality for winemaking. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a picturesque setting and contribute to the production of high-quality wines, with a focus on sustainable and efficient vineyard practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including site selection, planting, trellis construction, and irrigation management.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management programs to protect grapevines.
• Manage canopy management techniques, including pruning, shoot thinning, and leaf removal, to optimize fruit exposure and quality.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, making timely adjustments to ensure optimal growth and yield.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training, direction, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Coordinate harvest activities, including timing, logistics, and quality assessment, ensuring grapes meet winery specifications in Welkom .

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management and grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, diseases, pests, and soil management.
• Experience with irrigation systems, vineyard machinery, and spray application technology.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with winemaking processes and quality requirements for different grape varietals is advantageous for this role in the Free State .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual performance reviews.
• Opportunity to work with premium grape varietals in a leading wine-producing region.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Generous wine tasting privileges and employee discounts.
• Professional development opportunities within the wine industry.