Looking for a Vineyard Manager for immediate start. We are a 35 acre vineyard in the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA

Hands on responsibility of the entire farming operation relative to the many facets of grape growing for the production of our wine. Work collaboratively with the owners and winemaker to determine a farming plan for our 35 acre vineyard. Is responsible for ensuring that productivity, quality, sustainability of crop, and that all goals and objectives of the vineyard are met. Is a team player, aware of the business as a whole and willingly assists in other areas when needed or called upon.

Essential Job Functions:
•  Direct responsibility with hands on approach to all daily operations involved in running of the vineyard
•  Develop and coordinate farming plan with owners and winemaker for all properties
•  Work closely with winemaker and owners on viticulture practices and how practices tie to final winemaking goals, including long term production plans and quality expectation
•  Vine Management, including pruning, shoot thinning and positioning, training, and canopy management – provide recommendation on canopy management and irrigation
•  Execute monitoring of vine and soil nutrition, developing recommendations for amendments as needed
•  Identify and monitor for vine pest & disease issues as well as pesticide application
•  Sample and monitor crop level and maturity during harvest
•  Harvest operations – hand harvesting
•  Machinery operations
•  Irrigation & Trellis – monitoring and repairs
•  Chemical application and recording processes
•  Responsible for care and maintenance of all vineyard equipment
•  Manage and hire vineyard crew
•  Ability to move equipment on trailers between vineyards

Requirements and Experience:
•  Knowledge of vineyard operations and farming practices/procedures, including vine nutrition, pest/disease management, irrigation and environmental management
•  Understands and is able to meet the requirement of working outdoors in all seasons/conditions
•  Ability to lift 50lbs with regularity
•  Proven experience and understanding of requirements and flexibility relating to hours worked during harvest season
•  5+ years of East Coast Vineyard Management experience preferred
•  NC pesticide license
•  Valid driver’s license
•  Good Mechanical skills for fixing equipment and keeping it running

Key Competencies:

•  Strong analytical and creative thinking skills for effective decision-making problem solving
•  Ability to focus on multiple tasks and deadlines, and effectively prioritize and manage them; strong attention to detail
•  Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, and a positive team oriented attitude
•  Strong logistical planning skills
•  Is forward thinking and proactive. Has the ability to develop an effective plan
•  Demonstrates integrity, is forthright, accepts responsibility, is personally accountable, straightforward, truthful, and of good character.
•  Maintains a positive approach with a can-do attitude. Instills confidence that tasks will be done according to the plan, and on time. Results oriented.
•  Ability to work independently
•  Has the will to win, the desire to do well, and strives to be an overachiever.