Vineyard Manager-Viticulturist

Job Description:

Barboursville Vineyards- Vineyard Manager/Viticulturist

A leading historic vineyard Estate of the East Coast, Barboursville Vineyards is located in Virginia’s Southwest Mountains, founded in 1976 by the Italian Zonin Family, vintners since 1821, from the Veneto region.

170 acres in vine, annual wine production 37,000 cases of premium and super premium Virginia wines.

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Vineyard Manager will report directly to the CEO, Luca Paschina
Manage and supervise all vineyard operations, from pruning to harvest
Manage daily and establish a healthy relationship our vineyard crew which is highly trained
Provide required safety training for the workers
Implement soil testing for fertility and pH and plan correction as needed
Keep an active pesticide applicator license and records of sprays through the season per each block
Maintain inventory of chemicals, fertilizers, fuel, filter
Scout weekly all vineyard blocks and spend time daily in the field with workers
Keep records of yields from each block, prepare crop estimates before harvest and evaluate with CEO any needs of green harvest
Maintain all documentation related to compliance of state and federal regulations and standards that is already in place
Plan for the hiring of H-2A VISA workers with the assistance of our Labor Agency and our office staff.
Ensuring that housing provided to workers is kept clean and in order according to standards from Department of Labor and Health
Keep vehicles for transportation of workers clean and inspected
Log work hours per each vineyard block and type of operation
Schedule vineyard equipment maintenance and repairs
The Vineyard Manager will provide on Friday a work schedule of the following week to the CEO

Qualifications:
Minimum of four years of experience in vineyard management of an Estate of at least 30 acres in size
Familiarity with vineyard equipment operation
Basic knowledge of MS Excel and Word, as well as general computer skills
Proficiency in the Spanish language
Ability to plan long term and multi-task
Good written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail
Undergraduate or Masters degree in Viticulture, Agriculture, or related field
Valid Virginia pesticide applicator’s license (or ability to obtain)

Other Requirements:
Ability to occasionally perform some physical labor year-round in all kinds of weather
Possess a Valid VA Driver’s License
Willingness to work long hours during peak vineyard’s activity
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
Great skill in managing staff
Collaborative approach, team builder with good sense of humor
Uplifting attitude, strong work ethic and able to motivate staff by explaining the reason behind every intervention done from pruning to harvest
It is preferred if candidate has experience with machine harvesting, or experience with operating vineyard equipment and implements
Able to pass company’s background check
Vineyard Manager will be required to work under the guidance of our current Vineyard Manager for a period of up to six months to facilitate the transfer of his knowledge matured through 28 vintages

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary proportionate to the experience
Benefits:
401(k) up to 5% match, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance
Vacations
Housing and utilities are provided on the Estate

To Apply: Please send resumé and cover letter to [email protected]

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