Vineyard Technician

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific Responsibilities will include, but are not be limited to the following:

This position rotates periodically throughout the shift to different stations;

•       Travel via vehicle to designated vineyards in the Benton, Yakima, Grant, Franklin, Adams, Douglas counties to gather grape samples and evaluate vineyards; 

•       Make detail notes regarding observations on phases of growth within vineyards such as budbreak, bloom, fruit set, onset of veraison and completion of veraison;

•       Monitor both Milbrandt and non-Milbrandt contracted vineyard blocks; 

•       Performing cluster counts & crop estimation and compile data into a daily report;

•       Identify presence or absence of pests and signs of disease on the vine;

•       Evaluate growth, irrigation, and canopy management practices as far as canopy health, evidence of leaf and shoot-thinning, cluster thinning, and identify when irrigation practices deviate from established norms;

•       Evaluate pruning techniques and able to report observations, such as reporting how many buds per spur were left;

•       Collect grape samples from several drop boxes and transport to winery labs;

•       Draft daily reports summarizing vineyards visited along with vineyard observations and submit to designated teams as well as report all logged time worked for the day;

•       Provide support to the winemaking and lab teams at our wine production facility;

•       Perform any other duties designated by supervisors and department manager.

Physical Requirements Necessary on a Regular Basis

The position requires an individual to:

•       Be on feet for extended amounts of time and able to walk through vineyard rows;

•       Able to perform essential functions in all weather conditions;

•       Ability to load and unload an ATV from a pick-up or trailer;

•       Manual dexterity needed in order to maneuver through vineyards on both food and ATV/vehicle;  

•       Speech and hearing sufficient for in-person and telephone communication;

•       Vision necessary to identify grape color transitions;

Summary of Qualifications

•       Must be 18 years of age;

•       Must have reliable transportation and valid Washington State Driver’s License;

•       High School Diploma or equivalent State-issued certificate, required, with post-secondary education completed relating to viticulture/horticulture, strongly preferred;

•       Minimum of one (1) year of experience performing viticulture/horticulture, and/or wine chemistry responsibilities (hands on work experience, training, or educational experience);   

•       Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of a degree in Viticulture/Enology or related field is strongly preferred;

•       Ability to read, write, speak and understand English is necessary as well as proficient writing and communication skills when drafting day-end reports, which require professional and proper grammar;

•       Able to perform basic mathematical functions as well as calculate data related to cluster counts, shoots per vine, and other related metrics;

Competencies Needed

•       Adaptability and Flexibility—the individual adapts to changes in the work environment and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events;

•       Focused—able to be highly productive despite interruptions and multiple projects as the position involves repetitive or diversified work requiring constant alertness or activity.

•       Interpersonal skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things and is coachable.

•       Problem solving—the individual identifies problems and can communicate those problems and contribute to finding solutions;

•       Quality control—ensuring that rows that are scheduled and reported to be picked are actually harvested; 

•       Safety and security—the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.

•       Good character—possesses good self-discipline skills and will be ethical and accountable in all situations.

•       Team player—positive, friendly individual who is easy and enjoyable to work with.