Grafting Operations Manager

About Us:
Top-Notch Grafting specializes in field grafting vineyards. In business since 2010, we have become the North Coast’s leading grafting service. We are not a nursery. If you’re not familiar with field grafting, it’s the process of grafting winegrape buds onto rootstock in newly planted vineyards, or, grafting in mature vineyards to change from one varietal to another. We employ highly skilled, expert budders and grafters to perform this niche service.

Job Description:
This is a unique position. Because of the seasonal nature of field grafting, I am looking for someone to work full-time, but the end of March through July each year. From August through February the employment would be put on hold until the following March. Obviously, this may not work for everyone, but I’m hoping that the flexibility offered by this distinctive opportunity may be a benefit to the right person. Someone starting a small wine brand perhaps, who would like to be off in the fall to focus on their own project, but with the security of a regular job in spring and summer. Someone who is just getting started in the industry would also benefit immensely from the broad spectrum of clients that we work with and the possible connections that can be made.

Most days, the job will require getting to the jobsite early in the morning, which may be up to a couple hours away. After spending an hour or two getting the day started with the crew, the rest of the day may be spent checking on another crew, picking up budwood from various nurseries, checking on the progress of vineyards we already grafted, or meeting a potential client to look at a new project. There is a lot of driving involved and working on weekends. Other potential job components may include record keeping (timesheets, project notes), safety training, and compliance, and actual grafting.

Qualifications:
•  Viticulture background (knowledge of field grafting a plus, but not required)
•  Bilingual (English and Spanish)
•  Basic computer skills including email, and entry level Microsoft Word and Excel
•  Ability to work independently and stay on task
•  High organizational skills, with digital note-taking and attention to detail at all times
•  Must be extremely punctual and reliable
•  Must have a valid Drivers License
•  Must be a good communicator and able to get along with and work well with others
•  Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
•  Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces and in hillside vineyards

Benefits:
•  SIMPLE IRA
•  Bonus potential
•  Strong opportunity to grow within the company if it’s a good fit