Viticulturist - Vineyard Management Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Housing allowance possibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to oversee health, quality, and productivity of vineyards near Bloemfontein. The role blends on-site field duties with strategic remote planning to drive high-quality grape production.

Key responsibilities include managing irrigation, canopy management, pest and disease control, harvest timing, and staff supervision, with opportunities for on-site housing and professional development within a dynamic winery environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive vineyard management experience.
• Proven knowledge of grape varietals suitable for the region and their cultivation requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems, soil management, and pest/disease control in vineyards.
• Understanding of canopy management techniques and their impact on fruit quality.
• Strong leadership and staff management skills.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and vineyard management software.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid role, balancing field duties with administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day vineyard operations, including irrigation, fertilization, and pruning.
• Conduct regular soil and vine health assessments, identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pest and disease control strategies.
• Oversee canopy management techniques to optimize sunlight exposure and fruit quality.
• Monitor grape development and determine optimal harvest times.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of vineyard equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable viticulture practices.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets production standards.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield data, and quality assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Analytical skills

Record-keeping

Vineyard management

Canopy management

Education

Degree in Viticulture or related field

Tools

Vineyard management software

Irrigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned winery located near Bloemfontein , is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to oversee the health, quality, and productivity of our vineyards. This role involves a blend of on-site field management and remote strategic planning, offering a dynamic hybrid work experience. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of vineyard operations, from soil preparation and vine planting to canopy management, pest control, and harvesting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep scientific understanding of viticulture, a passion for winemaking, and practical experience in managing vineyard operations to produce high-quality grapes. You will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our wine production by cultivating exceptional fruit.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day vineyard operations, including irrigation, fertilization, and pruning.
• Conduct regular soil and vine health assessments, identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pest and disease control strategies.
• Oversee canopy management techniques to optimize sunlight exposure and fruit quality.
• Monitor grape development and determine optimal harvest times.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of vineyard equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable viticulture practices.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets production standards.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield data, and quality assessments.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in vineyard management.
• Proven knowledge of grape varietals suitable for the region and their cultivation requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems, soil management, and pest/disease control in vineyards.
• Understanding of canopy management techniques and their impact on fruit quality.
• Strong leadership and staff management skills.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and vineyard management software.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid role, balancing field duties with administrative tasks.
• A passion for wine and the wine industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of Rands .
• Performance-based incentives and bonus opportunities.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunity to work with premium grape varietals.
• Professional development and training in advanced viticultural techniques.
• A supportive and collegial work environment.
• Potential for on-site housing or housing allowance.