We are seeking a full-time Experienced Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager to work alongside our small dedicated onsite team. This is an exciting hands-on role with the opportunity to produce high-quality fruit from the Smithbrook Vineyard in Pemberton for the Fogarty Wine Group and develop 16 ha’s of new plantings across the site over coming years.

Duties

• Ensure all new developments are completed at the highest level and adhere to budget
• Consistently achieve target grade, yield and associated cost per tonne for all vineyard sites under direct control
• Monthly reporting to the Head Viticulturist the status of all vineyards and operations including any projected capex
• Preparing and managing budgets of all vineyard developments and operations
• To plan, manage for & assist in all aspects of the daily operations involved in running the vineyards including
  • Vine Management, including training, pruning and canopy management.
  • Manage Vine nutrition to keep vines at their optimum performance for quality and yield.
  • Monitoring for vine pest & disease issues.
  • Harvest operations -both mechanical and hand harvesting.
  • Efficient Water use management
  • Irrigation & Trellis - monitoring and repairs.
  • Chemical application and recording processes.
• Responsible for care and maintenance of vineyard equipment.
• Responsible for OH&S compliance and ensuring that all work activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures and policies.
• Work closely with the Head Viticulturist to ensure the highest quality outcomes and MRL management for the fruit supplied to the winery.

Skills & Experience

• Viticulture Qualification preferred
• Experience managing employees and labour teams
• Chemical accreditation or similar
• Trellising skills
• Knowledge of irrigation systems
• Knowledge of pest, disease and weed control
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety procedures
• Experience in maintaining tractors, small engines etc.
• Current drivers’ licence
• General computer skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of targeted fruit grade
• Achievement of targeted yield and associated cost per tonne
• MRL – all chemical applications are performed in full compliance with current legislation
• Zero downtime due to equipment unavailability
• Zero LTI or MTI’s
• Zero NCR’s
• All activities completed on schedule and on budget
• Meet reporting schedule

Reporting to the Head Viticulturist, the successful applicant will be hard working; reliable; self-motivated; have good communication, leadership and presentation skills; and be capable of working autonomously or in a small team.

Please forward your application to John Fogarty johnf@fogarty.wine

We thank all applicants for applying, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.