Technical Lead Hand – Vineyard

Job Description:

Arterra Wines Canada Western Viticulture Department is a multi-farm operation with world class properties spanning across the South Okanagan from Osoyoos to Naramata. We have premium vineyards containing a wide range of grape varieties, soil types and growing conditions.

We are currently recruiting for a detail orientated, organized individual who is self-motivated and goal oriented to fill the position of Technical Lead Hand - Vineyard based out of our Viticulture Office located in Oliver, BC. Our organization has an industry leading leadership team; a collaborative working environment full of determination and success; and a structure which offers best in class training and development to our team members.

What you will be doing:

The Technical Lead Hand - Vineyard will work within the vineyard and assist the technical department by monitoring for various insects and diseases, completing field work for research trials, data collection, maturity sampling and analysis, operation of vineyard equipment and other general vineyard tasks assigned.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Vineyard Monitoring - Data collection and processing of all samples including bud hardiness, vine, tissue, soil, weather data, and other factors affecting vineyard management. Maintenance of all records on digital platforms. Responsible for generating crop estimates and block performance statistics.
• Pest and Disease Supervision - Responsible for all pest and disease, weed, crop load, and canopy monitoring and reporting, for both internal and external vineyards. Train and supervise pest and disease monitors including use of GIS maps for data entry.
• Grower Support - Perform regular vineyard assessments in grower vineyards to ensure that target tonnage and quality objectives are being achieved. Communicate with growers to provide basic feedback, report on critical issues. Assist with meeting planning and contract documentation.
• Research and Development – Responsible for implementation of research trials that support continuous improvement. Assist with implementation of projects, conduct field work, report results. Responsible for tracking and submission of inputs for all eligible SR &ED tax credit projects.
• Viticulture technical planning – Responsible for viticulture material inventory and planning, SOP and MSDS database maintenance. Review needs for annual viticulture plan, contribute to budget planning. Maintenance of historical records.
• Viticulture Capital Projects - Responsible for contributing to capital project builds with regards to cover crop and fertilizer budgets, pre-plant soil tests, and project timeline tracking
• Harvest Maturity Coordination - Responsible for producing daily schedule of blocks to be sampled in cooperation with senior viticulturist, winemakers, growers, and vineyard managers. Scheduling tasks, and training staff

What you will bring:

• Bachelors (4 year) degree in Agriculture, Environmental, or related science.
• Viticulture experience an asset
• Computer knowledge and skills – creating and managing documents in MS Excel (formulas, formatting, etc.)

What we offer:

• Benefits and Pension Plan
• Product Allowances
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Training & Development Programs
• An opportunity to learn about the world of wine

Compensation: $25 - $32/hr