VINEYARD MANAGER – ASHTON, W-CAPE
Robertson Valley, Western Cape
Agricultural Industry (Wine Industry)
Salary: Negotiable

An International Vineyard is looking for a dynamic, energetic VINEYARD MANAGER for their business unit in ASHTON, WESTERN CAPE. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic, high standards, excellent communication ability and the ambition to grow with this organisation. Min of 3 years’ experience and a Tertiary qualification in Agriculture related to the field of Vine farming will be beneficial to application. Knowledge of the Wine farming and the Agri Industry essential. Must be willing to relocate.
The person appointed will be responsible for all aspects of managing the vineyard, including but not limited to:
• Cultivation, thinning, pruning, suckering, canopy management, planting and replanting, irrigating, harvesting and general tidiness of area were vineyards are planted
• Pest (Snails, ants), fungicide and herbicide management.
• The vineyards had a history of leave roll virus infected vines. An active management plan must be put in place to managed this challenge.
• Irrigation, monitoring and making recommendations, considering fruit quality and growing strength of vines
• Trellis-, irrigation-, vineyard installation, frost protection. All the machine/equipment R&M must be reported to the maintenance manager.
• Provide and acquire proper tools to his working team, for all jobs; make sure that workers use the necessary equipment; keep areas clean and orderly;
• Comply with vineyard IPW regulations
• Enforce company policy; ensure that every job or task is safe for the employees; supervise to make sure all work is carried out correctly; assist the workers and treat them with respect
• Must be able to reasonably estimate harvest equipment needed; provide accurate harvest estimates; help create a budget and work within the assigned budget.
• Understand and train employees in Policy, Procedures and general Health & Safety
• Increase/improve fruit so that we can improve wine quality
• Ensure that all necessary equipment is on site and in good operating condition prior to work
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with support staff.
• Search out and evaluate vineyard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely and economic solutions and deliver quality fruit
Requirements:
• Studied vinicultural degree or diploma.
• Strong computer skills.
• Willingness to walk the extra mile and do all functions required to operate a vineyard
• A strong and proven work ethic
• Understanding of vineyard/farm management practices and procedures
• Leadership and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills