Viticulture And R&D Technician

REPORTS TO: R&D Manager

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EXEMPT ( ) NON-EXEMPT ( x )

ABOUT THE JOB: Viticulture and R&D Technician for our family wine growing domain located in Oakville.

PURPOSE: This position supports seasonal viticulture data collection as well as research and development initiatives aligned with the Domain’s winegrowing philosophy. These activities will offer insights to refine the precision and responsiveness of our winegrowing practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect and organize data relating to phenology, irrigation, nutrition, and plant health.
• Scout vineyards for pests, disease, and plant performance.
• Collect data for vine counts and organize crop estimates.
• Support with maturity sampling during harvest.
• Support key stakeholders by helping to design and implement scientifically rigorous, data-driven vineyard and winery trials to evaluate new and existing winegrowing techniques.
• Perform data analysis and employ critical thinking to interpret research findings.
• Help maintain and troubleshoot existing vineyard/winery technologies as needed and help give support to coworkers with technologies.
• Assist with the evaluation of all new and existing vineyard/winery technologies currently available and under development to advance the scope of existing vineyard/winery monitoring practices.
• Assist R&D Manager with special projects as needed.
• Work with operations staff to support implementation of new processes.
• Be a good representative of company culture ensuring that all contact with clients, staff or the public is performed in a professional and confidential manner.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Viticulture & Enology or related field
• One-three years’ experience in the wine industry with at least one year in vineyards.
• Effective communication skills in English / Spanish preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proficiency in data management and analysis tools. GIS experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively.
• Knowledgeable of and committed to excellence across all areas of winegrowing.
• Curious, eager to learn, supportive team member, proactive, self-motivated, and innovative.

WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY TO:

• Stand and walk on uneven, sloped terrain and hillside for extended periods.
• Grasp, stoop, carry and crouch.
• Ability to accurately distinguish colors.
• Lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work overtime, as needed, pre-dawn or late hours.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Seasonally wet and cold outdoors conditions
• Seasonally sunny and hot Napa Valley conditions
• Moderate climate