Viticulturalist

Job Description:

Jackson Family Wines has been recognized across the globe for our dedication and leadership on sustainability and climate action solutions. From co-founding International Wineries for Climate Action, to funding innovative water saving technology that has been shared with other wineries, we believe in the power of working together to move our industry forward. Our long-term goals to become climate positive, implement smart water management, adopt regenerative farming and champion social responsibility demonstrate a bold commitment to lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

POSITION SUMMARY

Jackson Family Wines is looking for a self-motivated Viticulturist I for the Central Coast to support our farming team. This position would report directly to the Manager, Viticulture and assist with many of the necessary tasks throughout the season. The Viticulturist I would be expected to take on a diverse range of projects and be expected to have a deep understanding of the principles of viticulture that guide Jackson Family Wines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:
(includes but is not limited to)
• Ability to take lead on projects and work closely with the Central Coast farming teams.
• Perform soil electrical conductivity scans using the Geonics EM38-MK2 equipment.
• Provide guidance to both the viticultural and farming team with projects relating to our farming goals including regenerative farming, compost production, and vineyard development.
• Work with viticultural and farm team with technical support for routine vineyard tasks such as:
• pruning, tying, frost control, training, suckering, leafing, thinning, irrigating, fertilization, harvesting, planting.
• Tissue/ petiole sampling for virus detection and nutrient analyses.
• Soil sampling for chemical composition and biological pests.
• Water status monitoring (e.g., visual observations, soil moisture probes, pressure bombs, leaf porometer).
• Cluster sampling for quality analysis and quality control leading up to harvest
• Tracking phenological data throughout the season (i.e., budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest dates).
• Vineyard scouting for pests, diseases, water stress, nutrition, and weeds throughout the season.
• Yield estimations (e.g., cluster/shoot counts and cluster counts/weights).

• Lead vineyard research trial tracking and data collection across the Central Coast.
• Lead data analysis and reporting of results to farming team.
• Ability to understand and interpret data from weather stations (e.g. mildew forecasting, irrigation scheduling, etc.).
• Routinely visits JFW Central Coast vineyard properties and provides feedback to the viticultural and farm team.
• Work closely with ArcGIS team to create and improve viticultural applications.
• Complete special projects as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Experience, and Education

• BSc in Viticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science or other related field and at least 3 years of professional vineyard experience.
• Has knowledge of aspects of vineyard management and viticulture practices.
• At least 2 years of experience in vineyard research including data collection, analysis of results, and reporting on findings.
• ArcGIS experience preferred.
• Experience in soil pit classification and soil analysis preferred.

Essential Skills:
• Possess a positive work attitude, strong organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a team which includes winemakers, vineyard managers, and other vineyard/ winery personnel.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working alone.
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office programs.

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to perform various viticultural practices and data collection outside in all types of weather, all times of year- this includes walking and standing for long periods of time under adverse field conditions.
• Must be capable of occasionally lifting and carrying at least 50 pounds
• Must have a valid California Driver's License and be able to drive long distances to vineyards.
• Must be able to safely operate an ATV or UTV.
• Must use personal protective equipment when necessary including, but not limited to, earplugs, gloves, safety glasses, work boots, etc.

The above information is representative of the work performed in this position; however, it is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar or related to the essential duties and responsibilities.

WAGE TRANSPARENCY: The annual salary for this role is $85,000. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.

BENEFITS:
• Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Generous time off including vacation, holidays, and paid health time
• Paid volunteer time
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Modern Health virtual mental health & coaching visits
• Wine discounts!

Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.

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