JOB SUMMARY
A Grower Relations Specialist fosters strong connections with agricultural producers to ensure effective communication and collaboration. They ensure compliance with standards, coordinate crop deliveries, and collect and analyze crop and market data. Additionally, they resolve issues between growers and the company. This role is vital for maintaining smooth supply chain operations, enhancing grower satisfaction, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must have regular and reliable attendance and be able to perform each essential function from the list below satisfactorily, with or without accommodation, and carry out all duties in a confidential manner at all times. Working overtime, when requested by your supervisor, is a condition of your employment.
Responsibilities:
•  The Grower Relations Specialist will support the winemaking team with vineyard related monitoring of interior and exterior vineyards with an emphasis on vineyard progression, vineyard owner support, and vineyard project tracking
•  Collects grape samples from a large variety of vineyards
•  Delivers samples to the lab for analysis in a timely manner
•  Records and reports results of lab analyses to Field Supervisors/Grower Representatives
•  Responsible for communication with internal & external vineyards on time and weight of incoming harvested fruit. Visiting vineyards for picks is required
•  Manages organic and sustainability certification and obtain all information for external vineyards regarding organic or other notable information
•  Manages and renews crop insurance. Reporting of farming production details to Government
•  Representative to local agencies, road repair, fire mitigation, biodiversity surveys etc.
•  Maintains a clear document trail and organize files for all vineyard sourcing contracts and leases
•  Organizes and maintains the Vineyard Management system with traceability and organization
•  Monitors and updates winemaker of any issues observed in the vineyard (i.e. mildew, disease, pest or farming issues)
•  Coordinates exposure to sites for employees and harvest interns for educational field trips
•  Drives the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies on the ranches we own and lease
•  Researches and advises on technical details around installing bat, bird and owl boxes, as well as live insectary areas and hedge rows
•  Works independently and in a team environment

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request and in appropriate circumstances.
•  Ability to understand complex written and verbal instructions
•  Intermediate Microsoft Office Skills and able to learn winemaking production software
•  Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and pivot in a fast-paced environment while still showing attention to detail
•  Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy, and the ability to serve a diverse range of employees with equity, fairness, and tact
•  Detail oriented with strong follow-up initiative
•  Current Driver’s License, Clean DMV, Current Insurance
•  Must have a reliable vehicle and be willing to drive vehicle in vineyards off paved roads.
•  Must have a personal cell phone for timekeeping purposes
•  Must be willing to work flexible hours and must be willing to work the entire harvest season.
•  Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is a plus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
•  Education: A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field
•  Experience: 2+ years of viticulture experience or related field

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and key responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request and in appropriate circumstances.

The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner at all times. Frequent operation of winemaking and cellar equipment as well as computer and other office equipment, the ability to sit at a workstation for periods of time; the ability to work in the cellar; and the ability to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, lift, twist, pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, stoop and kneel as needed, and to lift and carry items up to 100 pounds frequently during harvest season. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to smell and taste wine blends for quality. Occasional driving of a personal or company-owned vehicle for up to several hours at a time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee works in the laboratory, cellar, production, and office environments. The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Work in the field, especially during bottling and/or harvest may have moderate to heavier noise levels. The employee may encounter high temperatures, inclement weather and various outdoor working conditions in the cellar yard. Work requires weekend and/or evening shifts.


Alpha Omega Winery is an Equal Opportunity Employer