Vineyard Technician Job Description
Vineyard Health
• Scouting for pests and disease – observing and identifying vineyard pest and disease symptoms, reporting observations to supervisor
• Fertigation – application of liquid fertilizers through drip irrigation systems
• Planting – planting living plants within fields
• Transplanting – moving living plants in fields
• Applying compost – using shovels to spread compost from a machine into the fields
• Mitigating disease spread – observing plant disease and taking measures to prevent spread (i.e. sanitization of equipment, washing hands, etc.)
Canopy Management
• Shoot thinning – selectively removing excessive growth to ensure desired crop yield and plant health, based on varietal
• Leaf pulling – removing leaves to increase air flow and sun exposure, based on varietal
• Fruit dropping – removing excess fruit to manage quantities and ensure plant health, based on varietal
• Rot dropping – removing rotten fruit from plants to reduce spread and increase quality
• Tucking shoots – carefully arranging plant shoots into catch wire system for vine health, uniformity and access to clusters
• Training – manipulating plant and using growers’ tape to develop plants into a permanent structure and form
• Suckering – removing unnecessary shoots from the trunk of plant
• Root stock removal – removing unneeded growth from base of plant for airflow and accessibility
Harvest
• Harvesting – carefully removing grape clusters and collecting in buckets for transportation to winery
• Berry samples – collecting fruit for testing to determine harvest dates
• Managing harvest labor – helping to maintain an efficient flow of work from laborers used during harvest time
Prune
• Establishing fruit load per varietal – following guidance from supervisors to cut canes back in order to set the yield and shoot spacing for the next growing season, based on varietal
• Pruning wound sealant – carefully applying pruning sealant to all cuts made during pruning process
• Knowledge of plant physiology and structure for future plant health – using basic understanding of grape vine physiology and plant health to determine how to treat each individual plant to ensure plant health
• Disposing of cuttings – removing pruned debris and making orderly piles to be chipped or burned
Irrigation
• Follow water schedules – Turn water sources on and off according to set watering schedules
• Irrigation repair and maintenance – repair and maintain poly drip lines, drip emitters and PVC pipe
• Plant water stress observations – look for water stress in grape vines and report findings to supervisor
Vineyard Infrastructure
• Rock picking – removing rocks and debris from fields for safety and equipment operation
• Tighten all wires – keeping all vineyard wires tightened to help maintain uniformity and proper function
• Replace end posts – identifying rotten or loose end posts and replacing as needed
• Replace line posts – identifying loose or compromised line posts and replacing as needed
• Catch wire holder installation/management – ensuring catch wire systems are working properly
• Establish new vineyards – help in the construction and planting of new vineyard blocks
• Clearing vegetation from work area – keeping trees and shrubs trimmed for efficient functioning in vineyards
Chemical Handling and Application
• Following and understanding pesticide label guidelines – maintaining a current Pesticide Applicators license and knowledge of how to read and understand a pesticide label
• Properly applying chemicals – following directions to ensure safe application of pesticides and fertilizers, including Restricted Entry Intervals and Pre-Harvest Intervals
• Proper storage and disposal - storage and disposal of chemicals and containers following EPA label guidelines
• Appropriate PPE is worn – maintaining safe and clean PPE, following PPE guidelines from pesticide labels
Weed Management
• Mowing – safely operating a lawn mower to control weed and plant growth
• Weed whacking – using string trimmer to remove weeds under plant rows while paying very close attention to avoiding any contact between trimmer and plants
Pest Management
• Gophers - trapping and eradicating gophers from vineyard blocks
• Fencing - installation and maintenance of fences, posts and end posts to keep animals out
• Netting – installation and removal of net systems to protect fruit from birds, racoons, squirrels, and deer
Equipment Maintenance and Operation
• Equipment operation – safe use of carts, UTVs, lawn mowers and string trimmers
• Tune ups on carts and mowers – periodically checking fluid levels, battery condition and visually inspecting equipment to prevent problems
• Grease all equipment – applying lubricants to equipment
Job Requirements
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions including sub-freezing temperatures and extreme heat
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs.
• Flexible hours during harvest season and critical growing periods
• Ability to acquire Pesticide Handlers License
• Work on feet for extended periods and ability to crouch, kneel, stoop or crawl
• Close vision required
• Ability to use hands and fingers with dexterity
• Work environment includes exposure to wet or humid conditions, temperature extremes, toxic or caustic chemicals and periodic loud noises
Position Information:
This is a full-time hourly position with benefits including health insurance, PTO, Sick Time/FMLA, 401(k), annual performance bonuses, and more.
Total Compensation Range:
$18 to $20 per hour DOE
To Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information to our HR Manager, Andrea Shuler.
E-mail: [email protected]