Pipers River Vineyard – Baxters Rd, Pipers River TAS 7252
Native Point Vineyard - Windermere Rd, Swan Bay TAS 7252
Auburn Road Vineyard - Auburn Road, Kayena TAS 7270
Handpicked Wines is an award-winning fine wine producer with a growing number of sustainably and organically managed vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, and the Barossa Valley.
Due to expansion and the Acquisition of the House or Arras brand and properties, an opportunity has arisen for a full time Assistant Vineyard Manager to join our team in Tasmania. The position will report to the Senior Viticulturist based in Victoria.
We require a passionate, collaborative, and focussed individual to assist in the management of all aspects of vineyard operations, and assist with grower management when required.
The position is based at our winery in Pipers River and encompasses all three company vineyards covering approximately 45 Ha located along the Tamar River and Pipers River. The vineyards encompass both organic and conventional management. This position will focus on ensuring that Handpicked Wines' vineyards deliver fruit of the highest quality while using best-practice methodologies and certified organic practices on the required vineyards.
The role will have a high focus on achieving effectiveness and efficiency with all vineyard operations. Accountabilities will include assisting in the management of existing vineyards with assistance from the Senior Viticulturist. This will include direct supervision of our own permanent staff and labour and machinery contractors to complete vine work and general machinery operations with a high level of detail and productivity. This is a hands on role, and will also work alongside the team to assist in executing all parts of the vineyard work program. The role will be a balance of responsibility and autonomy, with guidance on the viticultural visions of the business, and also provide scope to learn and grow.
Role responsibilities includes:
Supervise staff to and external contractors to ensure completion of machinery operations within established company procedures and guidelines. Supervise contract labour to achieve the required cost and quality objectives.Be flexible with work hours to conduct and supervise vineyard operations during peak demands ie. pruning, spraying, picking. Ability to rotationally be 'on call' to perform frost protection duties and management through early spring. Operate plant and equipment as required in line with company safe work practices and procedures.Assist in the development and execution of daily and weekly works programs.Operate and maintain the irrigation systems across all vineyard sites. Technical accountability for phenology and vine health monitoring, crop estimates, pest & disease monitoring, irrigation monitoring & scheduling, maturity monitoring and harvest scheduling, with assistance from the Senior Viticulturist. Collection and collation of technical viticultural data and maintain relevant vineyard records as required. Ensure all vineyard activities align with safe work practices and meet required OH&S standards.Assist with vineyard quality and yield assessments on grower vineyards, as support is required. May require travel around Tasmania.Work with the Viticulturist to manage suppliers to ensure viticultural supply requirements are met.Proactively communicate lead times and arrivals of supplies with management. Involvement in the process of invoice checking and verification as required.Assist in the oversight, guidance and mentoring of vineyard teams in their day-to-day operations.Direct responsibility for ensuring operators follow correct procedures and execute a high level of detail with operations and maintenance. Assist in the recruitment of new operators and involvement in the training of team members to meet task and safety requirements, while also promoting a culture of continual improvement. Role requirements:
Tertiary or certificate/ diploma qualifications in Viticulture, Horticulture or Agricultural Science is essential. Good communication skills, both oral and written.Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Motivated to be part of a relatively young, dynamic and fast-growing enterprise.Current driver's license.Current Chemcert and forklift licence is highly regarded but not essential. We offer a dynamic, innovative and supportive work culture where there is the opportunity to develop your skills and make a difference in the viticultural space. A competitive salary and company vehicle will be provided.
Please apply with your resume and cover letter using the 'APPLY FOR JOB' link above. We would love to hear from you.