Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking

Hiring: Assistant Vineyard Manager
Employer: Tawse Family Vineyard
Location: Vineland, Niagara Region, Ontario

Tawse Family Vineyards is dedicated to producing premium, certified organic grapes on over 120 acres of vineyards in the renowned Niagara region. The vineyards supply Tawse Winery and Redstone Winery with world-class grapes. Our extensive portfolio includes top-tier grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and other varietals, grown across high-density and conventional vineyard blocks.

We are currently looking for an Assistant Vineyard Manager with a passion for sustainable and organic agriculture, who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be a key player in the day-to-day operations of our vineyard and contribute to the creation of award-winning wines.

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Job Summary:

As the Assistant Vineyard Manager, you will work closely with the Vineyard Manager to oversee the daily operations of Tawse Family Vineyards. Your role will involve supervising vineyard tasks, ensuring the completion of vital duties in a timely and efficient manner, and supporting the overall health of the vineyard through organic and sustainable practices. This hands-on position requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality vineyard operations.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise Vineyard Crew: Lead and manage the vineyard crew, ensuring that all tasks, including hand labor and tractor work, are completed efficiently and according to best practices.
• Vineyard Health & Disease Control: Assist with the inspection of vineyards for signs of disease, pests, or other quality control issues
• Health and Safety Oversight: Maintain health and safety policies, ensuring all vineyard work is performed with the utmost attention to safety.
• Tractor Work & Equipment Maintenance: Operate vineyard machinery, including tractors, sprayers, and other equipment, ensuring they are properly maintained and operational.
• Spraying & Recordkeeping: Assist with vineyard spraying operations and keep accurate spray and work records, complying with all regulations.
• Operational Planning: Support the Vineyard Manager in scheduling and coordinating vineyard activities to optimize production and quality.

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Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Post-secondary education in Agriculture, Viticulture, or a related field.
• Experience: Prior experience in vineyard or agricultural management (2-3 years preferred).
• Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
  • Experience in operating and maintaining vineyard equipment (tractors, sprayers, etc.).
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs and work long hours in various weather conditions.
  • Effective communication and leadership skills to manage vineyard crew and coordinate tasks.
  • Knowledge and passion for sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Certifications:
  • Valid Ontario Driver’s License (DZ or AZ preferred).
  • Valid Pesticide Safety License (or willingness to obtain).
• Personal Traits:
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and organized.
  • Willingness to work in a dynamic, outdoor environment, often in challenging weather conditions.

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Benefits:

• Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.
• Employee Benefits: Health Benefits
• Work Environment: A passionate, dynamic team committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking.

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At Tawse Family Vineyards, we are proud of our commitment to organic farming and sustainability, producing grapes for some of the most highly regarded wineries in the industry. If you are passionate about viticulture, enjoy hands-on work, and are eager to be part of a world-class winery, we invite you to apply for the Assistant Vineyard Manager position.

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To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience a.vanmuyen@tawsewinery.ca

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

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Tawse Family Vineyards is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.