Lead Grower

POSITION TITLE: Lead Grower 

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt  

DEPARTMENT: SAAE/Vineyard 

SUPERVISOR:   Vineyard Manager 

GRADE:                NE4 

Position Summary: 

Under the direct supervision of the Vineyard Manager, the Lead Grower will help develop and maintain processes and functions daily that are necessary for the successful operation; guidance and leadership are necessary to the Vineyard workers to ensure that effective operations of planting, cultivating and harvesting are completed. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Performs a variety of technical duties in the field including the following: collecting, packaging, submitting to lab soil samples, monitoring irrigation systems, implementing and maintaining weed and pest control protocols,  

• Performs routine and recurring duties using a variety of specialized equipment and hand tools. 

• Monitors crops for insects, disease, weeds, crop load, and canopy management. Document and report findings for manager. 

• Maintains accurate records of pesticide application, chemical usage and inventories 

• Performs crop maturity sampling and monitoring prior to harvesting. 

• Monitors vine growth through dormant pruning weight measurements. 

• Performs other duties as assigned by Vineyard Manager. 

• Perform duties such as pruning, weeding, cultivating, irrigating and harvesting of vines. 

• Performs maintenance and repair of trellising system. 

• Removes and rakes trash and debris from grounds as needed. 

• Performs construction and repair of fences, buildings, sheds and roads as needed. 

• Applies, mixes and measures fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides in an appropriate manner throughout vineyard. 

• Drives a vehicle to transport supplies, debris and equipment as instructed.  

• Operates farm equipment including tractors.  

• Operates power tools, hedgers and hand tools. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

High School diploma or GED; at least three (3) years of viticulturist experience required to meet the standard duties as outlined. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license and be insurable under the Pueblo’s insurance. 

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications: 

• Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.  

• Knowledge of normal plant diseases and pests, irrigation management and drought stress. 

• Knowledge of soil health and restorative practices and principles. 

• Knowledge of cultivating and harvesting grapes.  

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  

• Ability to operate and maintain farm equipment. 

• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.  

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.  

• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.  

• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement.  

• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.  

• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job is physically tiring, the employee is occasionally required to sit; and is regularly required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to bend at the waist and to twist or rotate body as needed. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment: 

Occasionally work is performed in an office setting with a low level of noise and infrequent contact with company personnel and visitors. Work is normally performed outdoors where exposure to natural weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and wind; exposure to various dusts and mists, exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, farming chemicals and fertilizers are likely to occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces and unstable ground. Situations requiring protective gear (PPE) may occur. Work is normally performed in a typical outdoor work environment. Extreme hot and/or cold weather temperatures. Exposure to sun.