Vineyard Operations Manager

Job Description:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Vineyard Operations Manager to lead and support all aspects of irrigation, fertigation, and vineyard infrastructure across our vineyard sites, spanning from Osoyoos to Vernon. This key role is essential to optimizing vine health, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining accurate records and reporting.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and a genuine passion for viticulture. Hands-on experience with two-wire irrigation systems, pesticide application, and effective budget management is essential for success in this role. This position is based at our Black Mountain Vineyard location at 1325 Mackenzie Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1P 1C4.

About Frind Estate Winery

Established in 2017 with the purchase of the historic Bennett property in West Kelowna, Frind Estate Winery blends agriculture with technological opportunity.

With over 400 acres planted across 15 thriving vineyards spanning the Okanagan Valley, and another 250 acres to be planted, Frind Winery Ltd. has ambitious plans for future expansion, where our company stands at the forefront of viticultural innovation.

We are dedicated to crafting excellence in every vine, cultivating multiple distinct grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Marechal, Foch and Regent, across our varied geographic locations from as far south as Osoyoos to as far north as Vernon.

Our commitment to excellence is supported by our state-of-the-art in-house lab, where advanced analysis, including soil and petiole analyses, help us optimize vineyard health and performance.

Responsibilities

Vineyard Team Management

• Trains, oversees, motivates, and mentors Vineyard Foreman.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, leads the coordination and communication pertaining to vineyard operations Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) processes and procedures.

Irrigation Management

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all vineyard sites, including layout of irrigation lines, timer box operations, and system mapping.
• Maintain seasonal irrigation output records for analysis and compliance.
• In collaboration with the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking, develop and follow the agreed upon schedule.
• Implement and oversee year-end system blowout procedures.
• Stay current with emerging irrigation technologies, including soil moisture and mildew sensors.

Fertigation Oversight

• Follow all timing and liquid outputs as per the agreed upon schedule.
• In collaboration with the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking develop and maintain site-specific fertigation SOPs.
• Ensure consistent and accurate record-keeping to support long-term data tracking.
• Train vineyard staff on fertigation processes and verify accuracy of recorded data.

Vineyard Development & Infrastructure

• Support irrigation and vine layout planning to promote optimal vine quality.
• Assist construction teams with technical decision-making related to water systems and vineyard design.
• Develop detailed maps outlining the final variety layouts.
• Coordinate and follow up on special earthworks projects.
• Monitor pump house performance and assess water pressure availability across all sites.

Mature Vineyard Support

• Conduct detailed irrigation scouting to ensure effective scheduling and vine health.
• Monitor pest activity and support the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Create and support crews with daily work plans based upon the agreed upon schedule.
• Mentor Vineyard Foremen and review daily logs for accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee spray logs, ensuring proper documentation of all chemical applications.
• Support sprayer calibration and compliance with relevant SOPs.
• Provide health & safety (H&S) support, ensuring all forms and reports are properly completed.

Equipment Management

• Maintain and follow up on seasonal service records for all irrigation and vineyard-related equipment.
• Conduct quarterly audits of all operational vineyard equipment.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of equipment, including location, usage hours, service history, and repairs.
• Prepare an annual list of surplus equipment for sale and a proposed list for new equipment with at least three competitive quotes.
• Analyze historical repair costs to inform budgeting for upcoming seasons.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Diploma or degree in Viticulture or related agricultural field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in vineyard operations, irrigation systems, or agricultural infrastructure or combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of viticulture practices, including pest management, irrigation scheduling, and equipment maintenance.
• Proficient in data tracking, mapping, and SOP development.
• Technically skilled in operating and troubleshooting irrigation systems and fertigation technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and training vineyard staff with keeping systems in working order and maintaining lines.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance (WCB & WHMIS).
• Must have a valid Class 5 Drivers License with endorsement 20 in good standing.
• Basic knowledge of vineyard operations and horticulture.
• Solid understanding of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, with a focus on the SAWP, AgStream, and Low Wage Stream programs.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to be “on-call” and work long hours as required.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience operating applicable vineyard tools and related equipment.
• Strong record keeping, estimating and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel between vineyard sites across the Okanagan.

Why Work for Us?

At Frind Winery, you’ll join a team of dedicated professionals passionate about wine and committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations. We foster a culture of innovation and creativity, both in our winemaking techniques and in the experiences we deliver. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

What we offer

• The pay range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 (*) per annum, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off
• Extended Health Benefits
• Use of fleet vehicle and gas card
• Employee Discount in Cafe, Tasting Room, Wine & Restaurant

*It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Apply Today!

Please submit your most recent resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to careers@frindwinery.com. Be sure to include your location, phone number, and personal email so we can connect with you.

We look forward to meeting you!