Vineyard/Grower Relations Assistant

About the Company:

The Family of Silver Oak is a wine company dedicated to creating joyful, meaningful, and memorable moments for our customers. Silver Oak began over a handshake between two friends with a bold vision: to focus on one varietal of wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak and worthy of cellaring for decades to come. Founded in 1972 by Ray Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer, today, Silver Oak has become a Family of brands which include: Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID and Timeless.

“We have yet to make our best bottle of wine.” This philosophy of constant improvement applies to everyone and everything we do, from grape to glass. We live and breathe a company culture focused on a healthy work-life balance, positive thinking, collaboration, going above and beyond, education, safety and a sense of curiosity.

We are focused on sustainability efforts and taking care of our employees. We have received recognition for having the best benefits in the industry, which includes a very rich medical plan, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts and generous 401(k) plan. We also have paid time off programs, including vacation, sick, a Day to Volunteer and sabbaticals. We have fun at work through our wellness challenges, social gatherings and company trips.

SUMMARY: Under supervision of the Grape Supply Manager, will assist in all vineyard development and farming activities including land preparation, trellis and irrigation system installation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, disease and pest control applications, cultivation, canopy management and harvest. Will also oversee the irrigation of vineyards, ensuring accurate and efficient irrigations are applied. Employee must enjoy working outside in a job that encompasses all aspects of vineyard operations through the lifecycle of the vine; from spring pruning to fall harvesting. This is a hands-on entry-level position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates and presents viticultural information necessary for assessment of vineyard health, timing of irrigation, pest control, preparation of crop estimates and determination of the timing of harvest.
• Develops and maintains extensive records regarding crop projections, grape yields, quality, pricing, planting status, climate data, cultural practices, and yields.
• Maintains relationships with existing growers and sources new grapes that meet specific criteria, translating to superior wine quality.
• Works closely with the winemaking team and vineyard team to develop a consensus on grape maturity and harvest timing.
• Works with vineyard contractors/seasonal workers as directed by Grape Supply Manager. Provides performance feedback on contractors to manager as needed.
• Assists the Grape Supply Manager with executing farming plan in accordance with production and winemaking guidance.
• Periodic involvement in the tasting and evaluating of wines.
• Conducts chemical analyses of fruit and tissue samplings. Measures grapevine yield components at harvest.
• Responsible for correct operation of irrigation and frost systems including pumps, filters, valves, gauges, and pressure regulators. Repairs broken pipes, valves, drip hoses or faulty emitters. Reports any larger issues with the irrigation system to the vineyard manager.
• Maintains accurate weekly records of irrigations, fertilization, pond levels and frost water applied to all blocks in AgCode.
• Starts frost protection systems as necessary.
• Complies with company policies and safety regulations. Cleans and maintains equipment in proper and safe working conditions.
• May operate trucks, tractors, harvesters, and other heavy equipment as needed (backhoe, small and large trenchers, dump truck, front end loader, etc.).
• Takes on special projects as assigned by the Grape Supply Manager.

Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Viticulture or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 2-3 years’ related experience is required.
• Proficient in MS Office including, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and make critical, sound, and timely decisions utilizing a high level of discretion.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and analytical skills working with a diverse organization with employees of varying skillsets and backgrounds.
• Ability to manage workflow and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Clean DMV records.
• Basic understanding of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ability to enter data into electronic handheld device.
• Understanding and ability to follow all safety requirements.
• Ability to perform the physical labor necessary.
• Attention to detail.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Able to prioritize, meet deadlines with accuracy, and work with minimal supervision.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Walk, kneel, bend, and stand for extended periods of time, frequently on uneven or steep terrain.
• Drive long distances to various vineyard properties.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and carry it 50-60 feet repetitively throughout the day.
• Must be able to do repetitive hand squeezing with both hands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is mainly performed in a vineyard. The individual may come in contact with vines that have been treated with pesticides and fungicides as well as weeds that have been sprayed with herbicides in accordance with all local state and federal regulations.
• Noise levels are occasionally moderate to loud.
• Exposed to outdoor elements, daytime temperatures can range from freezing to hot.
• Night and early morning work hours necessary during frost season and harvest with exposure to low temperatures and wind.
• Hazards: Occasionally works near moving machinery parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals.

The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.