Seasonal Vineyard Field Scout
Michael David Winery / North Coast Wine Company
Locations: Lodi, CA
Geyserville, CA

Job Description:
Producers of iconic brands such as Freakshow, Petite Petit, and Earthquake, Michael David Winery is a tour de force as one of the leading wineries in the United States, distributing nationwide and in more than 30 countries. Brothers Michael and David Phillips are 5th generation grape growers whose family has cultivated wine grapes in the Lodi region for nearly a century. Founded in 1984 with little more than an old barn, a used press and a few barrels on a dirt floor, the Phillips brothers released their first commercial wine under the Phillips Vineyards label after years of growing grapes for other wineries. Now celebrating over 35 years as a bonded winery, Michael David Winery has over 800 acres of vineyards in the Lodi Appellation and prides itself on being family owned and operated while practicing meticulous farming and sustainable wine grape growing, resulting in superior quality in the bottle. Recently selected as Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 American Winery of the Year, Michael David wines regularly take top awards and recognition nationally.

Based out of our Lodi CA winery, the Seasonal Vineyard Field Scout is an integral member of the Viticulture team. Under the guidance of the Viticulturist and/or Assistant Viticulturist the Seasonal Field Scout is responsible for weekly pest, disease and weed monitoring; as well as crop estimating and sugar sampling. This full-time harvest position is a great entry level job into viticulture. Must be able to work from June through October and be available 5 days a week and some Saturdays. Must have a strong work ethic and the ability to work alone are required. This is a chance to see an extensive amount of the local AVA’s and get to know some of the basics of viticulture.

Basic Responsibilities:
•  Drive to various vineyards to collect samples, accurately record locations and sugar values.
•  Examine and monitor the health of vineyards and grapes for pest damage, breakout of disease and advise management or concerns.
•  Monitor bud break, shoot growth, and fruit quality, and accurately estimate crop growth progression.
•  Conduct grape maturity analysis, and/or sample preparation.
•  Deliver sample(s) to winery lab in a timely manner.
•  Record and report result(s) of lab analyses to Grower Representative.
•  Comply with all environmental and safety regulations (CAL OSHA) that pertains to winery facilities and equipment.

Qualifications include:
•  High School diploma or equivalent. Previous field scout experience a plus: knowledge of local geographical area and ability to read and follow maps.
•  Must be 18+ years of age.
•  Must be dependable and flexible to work varying shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays.
•  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policy and procedure manuals, operating and maintenance instructions. Able to write routine reports and correspondence. English preferred, Spanish helpful.
•  Ability to perform basic math: add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and apply percentages.
•  Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance required. Position will require significant travel between various assigned vineyards each week. Experience driving a quad-runner in a safe manner is preferred.
•  Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb; able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work at various heights and in field conditions
•  Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The working environment is essentially outdoors with exposure to wet, windy, dry, hot, cold, dusty and/or unpredictable working conditions as applicable. May be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, farming chemicals and fertilizers.
Must be able to organize and plan work to achieve required results; handle multi-tasking situations. follow directions; and work independently and/or as a team member. Position will require working at night as well as long hours when required; carefully follow all company safety and PPE (personal protective equipment) policies and regulations. Exposure to all types of outdoor weather condition to include all levels of heat/humidity/cold; to dust, noise, pesticides, gasoline, and diesel fuels.

To be considered a cover letter and your resume must be submitted.

Phillips Farms-Michael David Winery provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees
and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.