We are looking to hire a Grower Relations Viticulture Technician (Seasonal) to primarily cover the North Coast (Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties) with occasional travel to the Foothills (Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Tehama and Lassen counties).
Duration: This seasonal position is available now through mid-November with the possibility of being considered for a regular, full-time role following the Harvest season. Peak working hours expected between July through the end of October.
Responsibilities:
Pre Harvest:
During the active growing season this position will track the progression of growth throughout contracted vineyards in various regions. This data may include but is not limited to: Field observations and dates of bud break throughout all designated districts. Observe and report weather conditions as well as late season weather events (hail, frost, and high wind) which may cause damage or crop loss. Review and observe cultural farming practices and canopy management, (tilling, weed control, crop thinning, leaf pulling), crop estimation based on observations of shatter, bunch counts, comparison of historical bunch weight data. Observing and recording any disease or pest pressures within the vineyards and working with Grower Relations Manager and Grower to recommend a treatment / solution. This position will also be responsible for creating and maintaining vineyard maps for all contracted vineyards. These maps will be utilized throughout the season and continually updated with any relevant information. Maps will also be uploaded to iCroptrak and used for creating weekly scouting reports with accompanying data.
During Harvest:
Collecting field data including cluster counts, cluster weights and general phenological data as well as perform field sugar testing of grapes for approximately 8 ? 12 weeks. Rank vineyards in order of maturation, while working closely with Grower Relations Manager and Winemaking to help determine harvest scheduling. Maintain sampling gear along with some data entry of sampling results on a daily basis. Working Saturdays during peak season will be required. Company vehicle provided for field use.
Post Harvest:
Working with Growers and Grower Relations Manager on timelines for post-harvest field work: this may include reports on post-harvest field preparations consisting of: pruning timelines, compost additions, cover crop plantings, repairs or improvements to contracted vineyards. Harvest data will also be evaluated, and organized for use in the following season. All data will be tracked and analyzed with use of excel and iCroptrak. Some examples of useful data include: rates of cover crop applied (lbs. -/- acre), rate of compost applied (tons -/- acre) number of re-plants planned / needed. The Grower Relations Vit Tech will also work closely with the Growers and Grower Relations Manager writing reports and relaying any important information (questions, concerns) a grower may have.
Required:
Preferred:
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. as needed; ability to drive motor vehicles to assigned ranches, work locations and offices; able to work in all weather conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, wet and windy. Ability to walk and perform physical work in vineyards with steep and/or uneven terrain, mud, rocks, dust and soft soil. Ability to climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend. Sit for an extended period at a desk or in a vehicle, hand/finger dexterity, and working at computer or in an office or shop setting is required. Valid CA Driver License.
About Fetzer Vineyards:
Our California winery operation includes 1000 acres of farmed vineyards and over 3 million cases produced annually. Operations include Mendocino County winery, production and vineyard locations. The company employs 300 across the United States.
Position Available in:
North Coast (Covering Coastal and Mountain Regions throughout Northern California). This role is based in Hopland when not in the field.
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.
Apply Online: Tell us about your passion for the wine industry and send your resume to: http://FetzerVineyards.appone.com.
Requires successful completion of criminal background, DMV check, (if applicable) and drug screen. AA/EOE/M/F/D/V
You will be required to submit verification of your citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of an offer of employment.