Vineyard Assistant Manager

Hazy Mountain Vineyards in Afton, Virginia is hiring Assistant Vineyard Managers with opportunity to advance for our vineyard locations in Afton Va and Swoope Va. This is a great opportunity to further your training and gain valuable experience growing wine grapes in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley AVA and Monticello AVA. Both vineyards are expanding and currently have over 86 acres between both sites.

Why work for us? We can offer an exciting opportunity for the right candidates to continue their career in viticulture in a company that offers tremendous growth potential! Because this is a young vineyard, you will have the opportunity to work on and establish young vines from the ground up. The knowledge you gain will be invaluable while you pursue your career.

About the Position:

• Weekly pay
• Hands-on training
• Opportunities for advancement & additional education
• 50 hours per week required
• Reports to Director of Production
• Application takes 5-10 minutes, receive feedback in 2-3 business days

Key Duties:

• Assist the Director of Production in day-to-day vineyard operations and managing the vineyard staff
• Work directly with and coordinate activities of H2A labor team to accomplished assigned work orders
• Monitor vine crops for insect & disease pressures. Apply forward planning and implementation of vineyard spray schedules with management.
• Maintain accurate records of daily weather conditions, pesticide usages and vineyard inventories
• Maintain accurate daily timecard data for self and labor crew for payroll accuracy.
• The operation of tractors and tractor implements as well as mowers and scouting vehicles in order to accomplish various vineyard practices such as mowing, spraying, trimming, etc.
• Inspect tractor and/or other equipment before operation and be responsible for notifying supervisor when in need of service or repair.
• Be able to perform routine equipment maintenance as directed, i.e. regularly checking fluid levels, lubricating all points and cleaning air filters.
• Calibrate and use agricultural spray equipment and perform necessary adjustments.
• Apply canopy and herbicide sprays following established safety procedures and instruction.
• Operate light equipment such as weed eaters and backpack sprayers when necessary.
• Teaching and Performing specialized vineyard tasks to include: planting, pruning, tying, suckering/shoot thinning, weeding, trellis maintenance, leaf & fruit thinning, fruit sampling and vineyard layout
• Perform various routine maintenance tasks such as trellis repair, hoeing, drainage repair, erosion control, site-preparation, etc.
• Follow safe operating procedures, maintain safety programs and policies to safeguard personal safety, company property, environmental and team member's safety.
• Work directly with H2A Labor team to accomplished assigned work orders
• Ability to generate weekly work progress reports to management team
• Represent Vineyard Team for guest tours, dinners, and marketing as required
• Ability to represent the company in a professional manner to outside vendors and meetings
• Assist winery production team during harvest as necessary.
• Occasional evenings and alternating weekends are required during the growing season as schedule requires.
• Occasional special project assignment as directed by Director of Production, Director of Operations and/or Ownership.

Requirements:

• Must have a passion for wine, viticulture or agriculture.
• Must be a high school graduate or have GED.
• Working knowledge of the Spanish Language is preferred.
• Ability to attain a Virginia Pesticide Applicators license.
• Experience Running Equipment such as Tractors, skid steers, excavators, or loaders.
• Previous experience in farm, vineyard or orchard work is preferred but not mandatory.
• Disciplined work ethic, accountability, and follow-through.
• Ability to work a flexible or changing schedule based on weather and vineyard demands.
• Ability to work alone without constant supervision.
• Working conditions in certain areas of the vineyard are cold, hot, wet, windy, slippery. Must be comfortable in inclement weather.
• Some vineyard work involves exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Frequently required to sit and drive for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to stand, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Frequent walking and bending is required.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay package based on experience
• Health Insurance - Company pays 75% of the monthly premiums for employees and their families
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Competitive vacation & holiday pay
• Supplemental insurance available (Aflac)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Company matches dollar-for-dollar up to 15%
• Short-term and Long-term disability
• Accidental death/dismemberment
• Life insurance
• Employee referral incentives
• Opportunities for advancement, professional development, training opportunities, and apprenticeship programs available
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental vehicles, and other company discounts (if applicable)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Afton, VA 22920 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Afton, VA 22920: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000