Vineyard Laborer

Work description

Under the supervision of the Winemaker, the worker is responsible for all day to day operations in the vineyard. Crops/Commodities: Grape (winter pruning). Manage vineyard canopy to permit light and air circulation. Thin fruit and remove shoots, leaves and vines. Grape vines can only be pruned when they are barren of foliage. Perform vineyard maintenance: activities including but not limited to weed control and trellis installation and repair. Install and maintain bird netting. Assist/move previously harvested fruit from field to processing area. Must possess the requisite skills and knowledge of what, when where and how much to prune on a grape vine. Identify and remove the proper canes and vines while retaining the fruiting wood and renewal spurs. Must demonstrate and consistently utilize pruning practices that assure vine balance and preserve vine health. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate, and crop conditions. Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer’s products, and property. Bending, stooping, and kneeling required. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, trowels, pick irons, hammers, wire tighteners, pruning shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Vineyard work includes assisting in daily field operations in the different stages of the growing season, drive tractor on vineyard property with different equipment: mower, mechanical edger, under row cultivation equipment, sprayer. Ability to diagnose problems and perform tasks to resolve problems. May perform general indoor tasks or post-harvest activities when outdoor vineyard work is not available (all such activities will be performed incident to or in conjunction with vineyard operation). Harvest, following fermentation, performing filtration, set-up barrel preparations, and maintaining a clean environment with good sanitation protocol.