Vineyard Manager - Napa & Sonoma

Job Description:

Vineyard Manager – Napa & Sonoma Counties

Career Path to Director of Vineyard Operations

We are an established vineyard management company overseeing approximately 450 acres of premium winegrape vineyards throughout Napa and Sonoma Counties. Our company is positioned for continued growth, and we are looking for the right Vineyard Manager to become a key long-term member of our leadership team.

This position will work closely with the company’s owner to manage the existing vineyard portfolio, strengthen client relationships and help guide the company’s growth. For the right person, the position is intended to develop over time into the role of Director of Vineyard Operations.

This is a client-facing management and leadership position. The Vineyard Manager will oversee farming operations through field supervisors and foremen while working directly with vineyard owners, winemakers and other client representatives.

The position does not require regularly operating equipment or performing vineyard labor. However, the Vineyard Manager must have enough hands-on experience to fully understand how the work should be performed, evaluate its quality and provide knowledgeable direction to field leadership.

Responsibilities

* Work closely with the company’s owner on vineyard operations, client service and company growth
* Oversee all aspects of year-round vineyard operations across multiple client properties
* Build and maintain strong relationships with vineyard owners, winemakers and client representatives
* Communicate regularly with clients regarding vineyard conditions, upcoming work, farming recommendations, schedules and costs
* Conduct vineyard walks and client meetings
* Clearly explain farming decisions, production challenges and recommended courses of action
* Help identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and support continued growth
* Develop annual farming plans for each vineyard
* Plan and oversee pruning, tying, suckering, canopy management, crop thinning, irrigation, harvest and other cultural practices
* Work through field supervisors and foremen to ensure vineyard work is completed correctly, efficiently and on schedule
* Inspect completed work and maintain high standards for quality, safety and vineyard appearance
* Develop and manage spray programs according to vineyard objectives and regulatory requirements
* Diagnose pest, disease, nutrition and vine-health issues
* Monitor vine development, crop levels, soil moisture and irrigation requirements
* Oversee irrigation scheduling, system performance, maintenance and troubleshooting
* Evaluate vineyard equipment needs, performance, maintenance and repairs
* Coordinate labor, equipment and materials across multiple vineyard sites
* Maintain accurate spray, irrigation, labor and production records
* Prepare clear work recommendations and vineyard updates for clients
* Ensure compliance with pesticide regulations, worker-safety requirements and company procedures
* Coordinate with company leadership, field supervisors, winemakers, PCAs and outside vendors
* Assist with budgets, purchasing, work orders and cost management
* Take on increasing operational and leadership responsibility as the company grows

Qualifications

* Significant experience managing premium vineyards in Napa and/or Sonoma Counties
* Strong knowledge of all aspects of vineyard development and production
* Current California PCA license required
* Thorough understanding of vineyard spray programs, pesticide use and regulatory compliance
* Experience with irrigation systems, scheduling, maintenance and troubleshooting
* Strong working knowledge of vineyard tractors, sprayers, implements and other equipment
* Ability to understand equipment operation, recognize mechanical or operational problems and determine whether work is being performed correctly
* Thorough understanding of vineyard labor practices and the ability to evaluate the quality and efficiency of work performed by field crews
* Ability to identify and respond to vineyard pests, diseases, nutritional deficiencies and other production challenges
* Experience coordinating work across multiple vineyard properties
* Strong client-service, communication and relationship-management skills
* Ability to communicate technical vineyard information clearly and professionally
* Strong organizational, scheduling and recordkeeping skills
* Valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable under the company’s vehicle-insurance requirements
* Spanish-language skills are strongly preferred

Compensation and Benefits

* Annual salary of **$80,000–$120,000**, depending on experience, qualifications and licensing
* Company-provided vehicle
* Comprehensive benefits
* Opportunity to quickly advance into the Director of Vineyard Operations role
* Increasing leadership and decision-making responsibility as the company grows

The Opportunity

We are looking for more than someone to fill a vineyard management position. We want the right person to become a trusted leadership partner who takes ownership of vineyard performance, client satisfaction and the company’s continued growth.

This person will initially work closely with the company’s owner, gaining a complete understanding of our clients, vineyards, operational systems and expectations. As the individual demonstrates strong performance and leadership, the role will expand with the goal of advancing into the position of Director of Vineyard Operations.

To apply, please submit a resume and a brief description of your vineyard management experience, licenses, client-management experience and familiarity with Napa and Sonoma growing conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion

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