These are brief career snapshots that provide an overview of several career options.
Every vineyard job includes work in all parts of vineyard operations.
Career snapshots
Equipment operator
Duties
- Perform daily service, minor maintenance and safety inspections of equipment
- Operate equipment to accomplish various vineyard practices, such as discing, weed spraying, mowing cover crop, applying nutrients
- Perform canopy management operations
- Act as a member of the vineyard team in performing a range of vineyard duties
Key attributes
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic individual who likes working outdoors
- Flexible and adaptable to seasons, weather and vine management needs
- Mechanical aptitude and ability
- Valid driver’s license and clean abstract
- Physically fit
Training and experience
- Graduation from a one-year viticulture program
- 1 - 2 years of related experience and/or education
- Certificate in Pest Management
Estimated Earnings
$14 to $18 per hour
Some employers provide benefits
Viticulture Technician
Duties
- Identify and recommend ways to address issues related to: pest management, nutritional deficiencies, irrigation and all aspects of canopy management
- Operate equipment to cultivate, prune, fertilize and spray the vineyard
- Maintain records
- May supervise vineyard teams
- Will perform all vineyard tasks including pruning, hand labour and other vineyard duties
Key attributes
- Able to combine a scientific approach with hands-on practical skills
- Self-motivated individual who can manage others and take direction from Managers
- Strong organization and planning ability
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, current health and safety practices
- Physically fit
Training and experience
- Graduation from a two-year viticulture program
- 2 - 5 years of related experience and/or education
- Certificate in Pest Management
Earnings Range
$14 to $18 per hour
Some employers provide benefits
In small and medium size vineyards the Viticulture Technician job may be combined with the Vineyard Supervisor and/or Equipment Operator responsibilities.
Vineyard Supervisor
Duties
- Plan and coordinate vineyard workers under direction of the Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager
- Manage soil and monitor for pest and disease issues
- Monitor irrigation and trellis management
- Operate equipment to cultivate, prune, fertilize and spray the vineyard
- Maintain records
Key attributes
- Self-motivated individual who can manage others and take direction from Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, current health and safety practices
- Strong organization and planning ability
- Knowledge of current health and safety practices
- Physically fit
Training and experience
- Graduation from a a 2-year viticulture program
- Certificate in Pest Management
Earnings Range
$35,000 up to $50,000/year
Some employers provide benefits.
In some small and medium size vineyards the Vineyard Supervisor job may be combined with the Viticulture Technician and Equipment Operator responsibilities.
Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager
Duties
- Prepare daily, weekly and annual vineyard plans
- Recruit, train, develop and retain a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-generational team
- Manage and record all aspects of the vineyard operation
- Prepare and track monthly vineyard and grounds budgets and expenditures
- Keep abreast of industry trends and changes in regulations of governing agencies
Key attributes
- Very well organized
- Develop and manage excellent health and safety practices
- Work with vineyard owners and winemakers to produce great wine
Training and experience
- graduation from a Viticulture degree program
- 5 - 10 years of related experience and/or education
Earnings
Starting at $50,000 and including benefits