And that’s why we’re looking for a Vineyard Manager to leave a lasting impression on our certified organic and biodynamic farming legacy. From beneficial insects and mobile chicken coops to canopy management and the annual arrival of over 2000 sheep to “control” weeds, you’ll have a lot of impact on our quality and yield. If you enjoy covering a lot of turf, embrace variety and challenge, and want to work with and mentor a good group of people, then we’d like to hear from you.
Basic Function:
You will be responsible for the shared management and development of 950+/- acres of certified organic and Biodynamic wine grapes on Mendocino County ranches to assure delivery of grapes of optimal quality and quantity for the Bonterra, Fetzer Coro, Sanctuary, Fetzer Mendo, and other brands. With direct responsibility for the management of specific assigned ranches, you will oversee and direct tasks of hourly ranch crews through Crew and Ranch Leaders in order to correctly accomplish needed tasks in a safe and efficient manner. In addition, you will be responsible for coordinating contract labor, staff training, hiring, layoff, and timekeeping requirements with the Vineyard Office Administrator, Human Resources, Payroll, and Vineyard Finance teams. You will manage equipment resources in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner with other Vineyard Manager and Vineyard Shop Manager in order to meet production and quality goals.
Responsibilities:
40% Vineyard & Crop Management
• Working together with Vineyard Director and other Managers, prepare annual farming plans for Mendocino County ranches. Implement vineyard plans, organize purchases and vineyard crews, manage equipment and resources necessary to successfully farm ranches and produce organic and Biodynamic grapes of the highest quality and quantity.
• Responsible for crop, fertility, pest, and disease management, and data. Based on data collected, implement the appropriate form of management in order to farm to certified Organic and Biodynamic standards.
• Responsible for records management of crop data, historical farming data (i.e., bud break, weather, frost, etc.). Direct and oversee the data collection process and ensure validity of data collected.
• Assist in the hiring of outside vendors or contractors for various services.
• Interact with Winemaking team in order to produce fruit that meets desired goals of wine programs.
25% Vineyard Finance & Planning
• Working with Vineyard Director, prepare annual expense and capital budgets to meet farm plan, production, and cost goals. Attend annual budget review and preparation meetings. Assist in planning function of vineyard department. Review invoices, budget, cost center reports, etc. with Vineyard Management Team and Vineyard Finance team on monthly basis.
• Responsible for managing vineyard expenses within budgetary guidelines.
25% Personnel Management
• Coordinate hires, rehires, staff reductions, etc. for workforce of 110+/- employees. Responsible for timekeeping and tracking of employee hours worked, by task and location. Work closely with crew leaders, Payroll and Vineyard Finance team to ensure the timely and accurate collection of payroll data.
• Ensure employees are held accountable to Company Employee Handbook guidelines and meet specified goals through annual review process.
10% General Departmental Management /Other
• These duties include safety, finding new products, working with Compliance Process Manager on materials compliance, management of experimental vineyards, labor housing management. Ability to identify trends, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.
• Responsible for safety meetings and adherence to all safe practices. Responsible for compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Participation in community and/or farming functions on behalf of the company.
• Aid with and provide tours and informational meetings to support product marketing and sales, potential for travel for same.
Must Experience:
• A Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture or related field plus minimum five years prior viticulture or vineyard management experience, or equivalent education/experience combination.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, manage workflow, mentor, coach, train, and develop subordinates’ skills. Ability to foster teamwork among staff members.
• Excellent vineyard farming ability and experience in vineyard planning and development.
• Thorough understanding of finance and budget processes and ability to apply to vineyard tasks.
• Commitment to safety excellence and training of employees.
• Engagement in continual innovation and improvement of farming practices and people management.
• Exceptional organization skills to track farming data and maintain accurate records.
• Bilingual skills: Field Spanish, required.
• Developed computer skills in programs such as Excel, Word, Database, Email, Weather programs, and Internet.
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain upon hiring), knowledge of and ability to operate wheel, crawler, and construction tractors, farming implements, as well as ATV and utility machines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of employees and outside contacts such as vendors, sales/marketing staff, agencies, and contractors in both written and verbal forms.
• Requires on-call status for emergencies and may require weekend and nighttime call-ins during various growing seasons.
• Valid CA Driver’s License. Requires travel between ranches.
Preferred Experience:
• Thorough knowledge of organic and biodynamic farming practices and certification standards, preferred.
Physical:
Ability to lift and carry 40lbs; ability to drive motor vehicle long distances and travel extensively within the assigned region ; able to work in all weather conditions including hot/cold weather temperatures, mud, dust, soft soil, uneven terrain.
Location:
Position located at Fetzer Vineyards’ Bonterra Organic Vineyards in Mendocino County. On-site Vineyard Manager housing provided.
Fetzer Vineyards’ corporate office is located at 12901 Old River Rd Hopland, CA 95449 Hopland is a small town of less than 800 people located at the start of the Redwoods of Northern California. It is about a two hour drive, along scenic U.S. Route 101, north of San Francisco. No relocation available for this position.
About Fetzer Vineyards:
Our multi-site California winery operation includes 1000 acres of farmed vineyards and 3 million cases produced annually. Operations include Mendocino County winery, production and vineyard locations; Paso Robles winery and Jekel vineyard operation in Greenfield, with a combined sales of approximately $185 Million and combined employment of 305 with an additional approximately 40 seasonally.
To apply:
Please email your resume to: careers@fetzer.com, with “Vineyard Manager” in the subject line. Must pass pre-employment drug screen, background, & DMV check. AA/EOE/M/F/D/V
We couldn’t be more excited to be part of Viña Concha y Toro which occupies an outstanding position among the world’s most important wine companies. With consolidated sales in 2011 of over US$850 million and more than 29 million cases sold globally, the company shows the strength of its business model and international leadership, with a presence in over 135 countries.