JOB SUMMARY

The Vineyard Foreman works closely with the Vineyard Supervisor to coordinate daily vineyard operations and support the production of high-quality grapes. This hands-on leadership role oversees vineyard employees, equipment, and resources while promoting safe work practices, accurate recordkeeping, and efficient completion of assigned tasks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Vineyard Operations: Oversee daily vineyard activities, including planting, vine training, pruning, suckering, irrigation maintenance, harvesting, pest management, and erosion control. Monitor work quality and safe work practices.
•  Team Leadership and Training: Lead, train, and guide vineyard employees. Communicate work assignments and expectations clearly, monitor progress, and provide feedback to help ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to company standards.
•  Vineyard Maintenance: Support proper care of vines and crops, monitor soil and plant conditions, and help maintain irrigation systems. Ensure tools and equipment are used correctly and kept in good working condition.
•  Timecard Preparation and Review: Assist employees with timecard preparation and review timecards for accuracy. Verify ranch codes, job codes, clock-in and clock-out punches, and recorded hours. Report and help correct discrepancies in accordance with company procedures.
•  Jobsite Preparation: Prepare work areas for daily operations and ensure employees have the necessary tools and equipment. Confirm equipment is in good working condition, fresh drinking water is available, and portable restrooms are provided and maintained. Identify jobsite hazards and report them promptly to the Vineyard Supervisor.
•  Frost Protection: Help implement frost-protection measures during vulnerable periods, especially in spring and fall. Ensure frost-protection equipment, including wind machines and sprinklers, is used properly and report equipment concerns.
•  Harvest Coordination: Assist the Vineyard Supervisor with daily harvest schedules. Supervise picking crews, reinforce quality and safety expectations, and help prepare for hand and machine harvests, including moving harvest equipment and ensuring tools are ready.
•  Crop Health Monitoring: Inspect vines and crops for signs of pests, disease, or other health concerns. Report findings to the Vineyard Supervisor and support corrective actions as directed.
•  Daily Records and Paperwork: Complete and maintain accurate daily records, including materials sheets, attendance records, timecards, and inspection forms. Submit paperwork on time and file it according to company procedures.
•  Safety Compliance: Reinforce company safety procedures and monitor compliance with safety standards, including proper equipment use and safe handling of chemicals.
•  Equipment and Inventory: Monitor tools, machinery, equipment, and supplies needed for vineyard operations. Support proper maintenance and storage and oversee safe use of hand tools, tractors, and other vineyard equipment.
•  Coordination with Management: Work with the Vineyard Supervisor to plan, carry out, and monitor vineyard activities. Communicate staffing, equipment, crop, safety, and operational concerns that may affect productivity or quality.

WORK SCHEDULE

•  Typical Schedule: Average workweeks are approximately 10 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
•  Peak Periods: Weekend work may be required during harvest or other peak operational periods.

WORK LOCATIONS

Various vineyards, ranches, and agricultural properties throughout Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

•  Experience: Three to five years of experience in a vineyard or related agricultural field, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory role.
•  Viticulture Knowledge: Strong knowledge of vineyard practices, including vine care, irrigation, pest management, and harvest techniques. Experience operating vineyard machinery and equipment is essential.
•  Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate tasks and guide a diverse team.
•  Language Skills: Proficiency in both spoken English and Spanish.
•  Writing and Recordkeeping: Ability to complete clear, accurate written records, reports, and work-related documentation.
•  Timekeeping and Schedule Tracking: Ability to track work schedules and hours accurately and review time records for completeness and accuracy.
•  Physical Ability: Ability to consistently lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Work may involve extended periods of sitting or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent stooping or bending.
•  Pre-Employment Screening: Must meet company pre-employment screening requirements, including drug screening.
•  Working Conditions: Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including dust, mud, wind, and temperatures ranging approximately from 20°F to 100°F. Clothing may become soiled by mud, water, grease, or other materials.
•  Company Policies and Safety: Must follow company policies, safety rules, and supervisory instructions; maintain clean work areas; and use designated eating areas and assigned worksites. Employees may not work while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
•  Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license.