Vineyard Crew II - Full Time

Job Description

The starting pay range for this position begins at $16.75/hour and is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements. Full Time: a position working 35 hours per week

Level 2 Vineyard staff will provide support to the Vineyard team in all aspects of the care and maintenance of wine grape plants, operation and maintenance of related equipment, and coordination of harvest activities. Duties may include, but are not limited to: planting, pruning, plant-training, and trellising; pesticide handling and application; and training and guidance of seasonal and harvest staff. Level 2 staff will also be involved in spring frost protection activities and will assist the leadership team in offering direction and support during the harvest season.

Schedule can vary, but is generally 6am-2:30pm or 7am-3:30pm. Some overtime and weekend work during some seasons.

Requirements

• High school diploma required. Additional education, training, or certification(s) preferred.
• At least two (2) years of related experience required. A combination of education and experience may be considered. The preferred candidate will have had prior experience working in a functioning vineyard, ideally in a production environment with focus on quality and guest service.
• Must maintain (or be able to obtain) a NC Pesticide applicator’s license and successfully complete Worker Protection Safety (WPS) training.
• Solid knowledge of plant care and maintenance related to grapevines and vineyard operations required. Must be able to identify plant health issues accurately and treat correctly.
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering world class service (internally and externally).
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Excellent planning, organizational, project and time management skills with a focus on quality and details.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; should be comfortable conveying information clearly, concisely, and effectively to a range of audiences.
• Ability to be proactive, take initiative and exercise good judgment; must be able to prioritize work, multi-task effectively, and work both independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Ability to work collaboratively, and maintain positive and professional working relationships.
• Must be able to anticipate, address, and troubleshoot issues as needed; the ability to creatively problem solve is important.
• Must be able to safely and effectively operate, maintain, and use various farm tools and equipment (trucks, tractors, related implements, pruning and picking shears, etc; ability to safely operate and drive vehicles and tractors with standard-shift transmissions is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record for the last two years, and be at least 18 years of age.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently; may lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to repetitively kneel, stoop, bend, reach overhead and below.
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time—often up to eight (8) hours per day or more.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions. Manual dexterity to operate machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles, tractors, mowers, and other heavy equipment.
• Must be able to work extra hours as needed when seasonal demands arise.
• Will be exposed to dirt, dust, pollen, fumes, engine noise, chemicals, and other particulates in performance of duties; must be able to work effectively using proper safety gear and procedures.
  
  

Essential Job Duties

• Grapevine care and maintenance—including but not excluded to planting, training, hedging, leaf-pulling, crop-thinning, and pruning—will also troubleshoot in conjunction with vineyard team as needed.
• Safely and effectively operate and maintain trucks, tractors, and related equipment—including mowers, post-drivers, fertilizer spreaders, herbicide and pesticide sprayers, and other PTO-driven implements often used on slopes and varied terrain.
• Safely operate and maintain small-engine equipment—including string-trimmers, chainsaws, water pumps, generators, and pressure washers.
• Aid Vineyard team during frost protection—including occasional overnight/overtime weather monitoring and operation, maintenance and repair of wind machines, and overhead irrigation systems.
• Pesticide handling and application—including storing and organizing agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, mixing and loading into air-blast and/or low-volume pesticide and herbicide sprayers, subsequent pesticide application in the field, and maintenance of the Vineyard mixing/loading facility and all related equipment at direction of supervisor.
• Build, repair, and maintain vineyard trellis systems using hand tools and specialized equipment with related materials—such as wire, staples, nails, posts and stakes (wooden and metal), etc.
• Effectively train seasonal and harvest crew members, and provide support and guidance to all staff in the absence of crew leader or supervisor—including extra hours and duties encountered during harvest and frost events.
• Monitor plants for disease, pests, or other potential problems to ensure proper health and care steps are taken in accordance with departmental standards and winemaker preferences.
• In conjunction with vineyard staff and other company crew, assist with maintenance and general upkeep of grounds, roads, fences, and related buildings in and adjacent to vineyard area—including the use of tractor mowers, scrape blades, fence tools, other related hand tools and materials.