Senior Vineyard Manager

Great Brands – Bigger Purpose

As a Certified B Corporation, Bonterra Organic Estates (formerly Fetzer Vineyards) is grounded in the transformational goals of regenerative business. Since our founding in 1968, we have been driven by excellence, innovation and longstanding commitments to the environment and responsible business practices.

Part of global powerhouse Viña Concha y Toro, Bonterra Organic Estates is focused on crafting wines from our facility in Mendocino County, California, including category leader Bonterra (named the 2016 Wine Enthusiast American Winery of the Year); sustainability standout Fetzer; and 1000 Stories, California's original Bourbon barrel-aged wine.

As Senior Vineyard Manager, you will be on the forefront of cultivating our future through organic practices, leaving the earth better than we found it. In this role, you will work closely with the vineyard team throughout our sites, located in the Ukiah and Hopland areas. This includes ranches for our Bonterra portfolio of brands. With an operation of approximately 830 acres, this is a great opportunity for those with expertise in organic and regenerative farming practices, and with an interest in contributing to Company efforts related to B Corp, TRUE Zero Waste, and California Certified Organic Farmer certifications.

Working with vineyard leadership and your subsequent team, you will generate and implement farm plans for our internal ranches to ensure annual production of quality wine grapes at the right cost—by brand and product. In addition, you will contribute to the leadership and development of the vineyard team while fostering continuous improvement in all areas including safety, efficiency, quality, application of new technology, etc.

On-site company provided housing available

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Vineyard and Crop Management – 40%

• In-season crop, fertility, pest and disease management
• Prepare annual farming plans for area ranches to review with leadership team to meet organic, sustainable, quality and cost goals
• Management of crop data, historical farming data (i.e., bud break, weather, frost, etc.). Direct and oversee the data collection process and ensure validity of data collected
• Utilizing a methodical approach, manage and oversee outside vendors or contractors compliant with company policies for various services and materials. Establish clear communication and accountability to ensure The Company’s quality standards are met
• Interact with winemaking team in order to produce fruit that meets desired goals of wine programs
• Manage equipment performance, operation and safety
• Review crop quality annually with winemakers

Vineyard Finance and Planning - 30%

• Work with leadership and finance to prepare annual expense and capital budgets to meet farm plan, production and cost goals
• Manage vineyard expenses within budgetary guidelines
• Assist with capital projects and replants
• Annual crop estimation – budget plan, post-set estimate, veraison adjustment

Team Management – 20%

• Manage activities of vineyard personnel: supervisors, operators and laborers
• Coordinate seasonal hires, rehires, layoffs, etc. for seasonal workers
• Responsible for timekeeping and tracking of employee hours worked, by task and location. Work closely with labor contractors, payroll and vineyard finance team to ensure the timely and accurate collection of payroll data
• Ensure proper safety and training of staff
• Performance management

General Departmental Management /Other – 10%

• Find new products, management of experimental vineyards. Graph data, identify trends, draw conclusions and make recommendations
• Ensure all activities are performed in a manager compliant with state, federal, local, company, organic or sustainable policies and regulations, as needed per specific blocks or ranches
• On behalf of the company, participate in community and/or farming functions
• As needed, support product marketing and sales initiatives by assisting with/providing tours and informational meetings. Participate in potential travel to support these efforts

Must Requirements

• BS in Viticulture or related science/field and a minimum of seven years practical experience, or demonstrated vineyard experience including supervision of processes and teams, or ten years vineyard management experience and HS diploma or equivalent required
• Thorough knowledge of viticulture practices and experience in vineyard planning and development
• Practical wine grape farming experience with organic, conventional, and sustainable growing methods, a must
• Excellent knowledge of viticulture and a general knowledge of winemaking practices and cycles
• Familiarity with California laws and regulations around labor, water, environment, health, and safety
• Thorough understanding of finance and budget processes
• Ability to collaborate directly with Viña Concha y Toro’s Chilean vineyard team interacting on both a remote basis and during seasonal visits to Mendocino County
• Serve as subject matter expert to Chilean supervisory team as it relates to organic farming, cost constraints, and laws/regulations in California
• Experience with operation of wheel, crawler, and construction tractors, farming implements, machine harvesters, as well as ATV and utility machines
• Commitment to safety excellence and producing work of the highest quality
• Ability to measure, document, analyze, and maintain data
• Requires exceptional organizational skills to track farming data and maintain records
• Demonstrated supervisory skills - ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to train staff and develop subordinate's skills. Ability to foster teamwork among staff members
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of employees and outside contacts such as vendors, sales/marketing staff, agencies and contractors in written and verbal forms
• Developed computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 products including Word, PowerPoint and Excel as well as database, email, weather programs and internet
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to present to a group of people
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Effective time management skills
• Ability to safely operate an ATV through various vineyard conditions
• Qualified Applicator License (QAL), preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish (speaking and reading) preferred
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. on a frequent basis; ability to push/pull up to 30 lbs. on a frequent basis; ability to drive motor vehicles to assigned ranches, work locations and offices; able to work in all weather conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, wet and windy. Ability to walk and perform physical work in vineyards with steep and/or uneven terrain, mud, dust and soft soil. Ability to climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend. Sitting, hand/finger dexterity, and working at computer or in an office or shop setting required.

Compensation

The target base salary for this role is $130,000 to $140,000. Actual rates will vary and are based on a candidate’s relevant education, qualifications, experience, skillset, competencies, internal equity, location and alignment with market data. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Benefits

First day Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability, Tax Savings (401k with company match), Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account benefits available to eligible employees. Community engagement is encouraged with one day/shift off per year as Volunteer Time Off (VTO). We offer many employee-focused health, wellness, training and safety-related programs as well as scholarship opportunities for dependents.

Location

This onsite role is based in Hopland and requires the ability to work at our sites in Hopland and Ukiah. Company vehicle provided. Onsite company housing may be available. 

About Bonterra Organic Estates

Part of the Viña Concha y Toro family of wineries since 2011, our California winery operation includes Mendocino County winery, production and approximately 830 acres of vineyard locations. The company employs approximately 230 across the United States.

The corporate office is located at 12901 Old River Rd Hopland, CA 95449. Hopland is a small town of less than 800 people located at the start of the redwoods of Northern California. It is about a two-hour drive north of San Francisco along scenic U.S. Route 101.

Apply online https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/FET1003FETZ/JobBoard/c6d65af3-319c-4d5a-8905-6818e98b821b

Requires successful completion of criminal background, DMV check (if applicable) and drug screen. AA/EOE/M/F/D/V   You will be required to submit verification of your citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of an offer of employment.

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Employee Rights under FMLA:

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Salary : $130,000 - $140,000