Foreman/Assistant Vineyard Manager

Vitis Terra Vineyard Services is a locally and woman owned development and management company located in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. VTVS focuses on organic, biodynamic and regenerative management of high-end wine grapes. New Vineyard sites are also often developed with organic practices.

Work Location: Office located in Amity, Oregon; Vineyards across the Willamette Valley
Full time position

The Assistant Manager brings passion and enthusiasm to the job and works in close cooperation with the Director of Operations, General Manager, Vineyard Managers, Viticulturist, Viticulture Technician and Vineyard Supervisors.

Job Purpose: Supports company goals by assisting with operations, logistics including the implementation of all labor and tractor driving related to sprays, nutrition, canopy management and other aspects of producing premium quality fruit. Helps source, train, coordinate and supervise vineyard workers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Planning and Daily Operations
•  Assist Director of Operations and Vineyard Managers with the daily management of multiple sites including established vineyards and new developments
•  Ensure all tasks are performed timely and correctly
•  Manage posting boards and safety programs
•  Supervise the maintenance of irrigation systems
•  Recruit crews, Coordinate and supervise crews
•  Assist with implementation of company systems and procedures
•  Maintain professional and technical knowledge
•  Support VTVS Team with cost control for individual client vineyards
•  Support VTVS Team with harvest planning
•  Assist with harvest scheduling, supervising and quality control
•  Support the VTVS Team with client communication and vineyard visits
•  Assist with daily labor tracking and monitoring
•  Assist with marketing and PR strategies
•  Contribute to annual short and long term company goals

2. Vineyard Management - Technical
•  Coordinate vineyard data collection with viticulturist
•  Assist with vineyard labor monitoring and feedback
•  Assist with implementation of specific vineyard practices as requested by clients
•  Fulfill other duties as needed/assigned by management with the understanding of business necessity

3. Human Resources, Employee Health & Safety
•  Assist with recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees
•  Assist with coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees
•  Assist with safety programs and compliance with state and federal laws
•  Help implement vineyard compliance requirements as needed
•  Assist employees with on-site issues/concerns
•  Maintain positive working relationship
•  Contribute to keeping all work sites clean and organized
•  Coordinate work with and supervise farm labor contractors
• 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
B.S or Associates degree in Viticulture or closely related field preferred
2-5 years of experience in production of high quality wine grapes
Interest in learning all aspects of grape growing
Experience with irrigation systems preferred
Specific interest and experience in sustainable, organic and biodynamic production systems
Efficient and detail oriented, solid organizational and administrative skills
Competent with computers, experienced with using Excel and willingness to learn new software systems
Demonstrate ability to effectively identify and resolve problems
Demonstrate good people skills and ability to relate and connect with workers, vendors and clients
Excellent written, oral communication and time management skills
Be able to work as part of a dynamic team
Strong Work ethic, reliable, self-started, honest
Irregular work hours during harvest (night and day) is required and during the growing season as needed
Able to work some Saturdays as needed
Able to travel to multiple locations by car/truck
Able to work in various weather conditions and in vineyards with variable terrain
Ability to work autonomously and with supervision
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Must have a valid Oregon Driver’s license and ability to operate vehicles safely

BENEFITS

This is a full-time position; competitive compensation is DOE
Benefits include medical, and 401k
Work truck, phone and laptop will be provided