Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vineyard Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and hands-on Vineyard Technician to join our passionate viticulture team. This role is the backbone of our vineyard operations, responsible for executing a wide range of essential farming tasks that directly influence grape quality and vine health. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented individual who thrives in an outdoor environment and is committed to the art and science of winegrowing. As a Vineyard Technician, you will be instrumental in the day-to-day care of our vines, from pruning in the winter to harvesting in the fall, ensuring every grape meets our exacting standards for producing world-class wine.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Agricultural Intern or Apprentice
General Farm Hand or Agricultural Laborer
Landscape or Horticulture Technician

Advancement To:

Vineyard Supervisor or Crew Lead
Assistant Vineyard Manager
Viticulturist or Pest Control Advisor (PCA)

Lateral Moves:

Cellar Hand / Cellar Worker
Winery Lab Technician
Specialized Equipment Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform precise, year-round viticultural practices including dormant pruning, suckering, shoot positioning, wire lifting, and tying canes to maintain vine structure and balance.
Execute critical canopy management tasks such as leaf pulling and fruit thinning to optimize sun exposure, air circulation, and grape cluster development for enhanced quality.
Operate and perform routine maintenance on a variety of vineyard equipment, including tractors, sprayers, cultivators, mowers, hedgers, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Conduct pest and disease scouting by systematically monitoring vineyard blocks to identify and report issues with insects, mites, mildew, and other potential threats.
Assist in the application of conventional, sustainable, or organic crop protection materials and fertilizers in a safe, timely, and effective manner, adhering to all regulations.
Participate actively in all harvest activities, which may include operating mechanical harvesters, leading hand-harvesting crews, and ensuring the quality and transport of fruit to the winery.
Install, maintain, and repair vineyard trellis systems, including posts, wires, and anchors, to ensure proper vine support and vineyard uniformity.
Operate and maintain vineyard irrigation systems, including monitoring soil moisture, repairing drip lines and emitters, and executing irrigation schedules as directed by the Vineyard Manager.
Collect a variety of field data, including soil samples, petiole samples for nutrient analysis, and grape maturity samples (sugar, pH, TA) for harvest timing decisions.
Perform weed control using mechanical, manual, or chemical methods in accordance with the vineyard's integrated pest management (IPM) plan.
Implement frost protection measures, which may involve the setup, operation, and takedown of wind machines or overhead sprinkler systems.
Plant new vineyard blocks, including tasks such as layout, marking, digging, planting, and installing grow tubes and training stakes.
Assist in grafting and field budding operations to propagate desired vine varieties and rootstocks.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of daily activities, including spray applications, irrigation schedules, and labor hours, using digital logs or software.
Calibrate sprayers and other application equipment to ensure accurate and efficient distribution of materials.
Support viticultural research trials by implementing specific protocols, collecting data, and observing results under the guidance of the Viticulturist.
Manage erosion control measures, including the maintenance of cover crops and waterways, to promote soil health and sustainability.
Ensure all tools, equipment, and facilities are kept clean, organized, and in safe working condition.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and agricultural best practices to foster a secure work environment for the entire team.
Operate a forklift for moving grape bins, pallets of materials, and other heavy items around the vineyard and winery premises.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Viticulturist with the setup, monitoring, and data collection for experimental vineyard blocks and research trials.
Contribute to the general maintenance and cleanliness of the vineyard property, including farm buildings, roads, and fence lines.
Support the winemaking team during harvest by coordinating grape deliveries and ensuring fruit quality meets established standards.
Participate in team safety meetings and contribute to a culture of safety awareness and compliance with all agricultural regulations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Viticultural Knowledge: Strong foundational understanding of grapevine physiology, seasonal cycles, and the impact of viticultural practices on grape quality.
Tractor & Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and performing basic maintenance on agricultural tractors and a range of vineyard implements (e.g., sprayers, discs, mowers).
Pest & Disease Identification: Ability to identify common vineyard pests, diseases, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies.
Irrigation System Management: Experience with the operation, troubleshooting, and repair of drip irrigation systems.
Sprayer Calibration & Operation: Knowledge of how to properly calibrate and operate vineyard spray equipment for effective and safe application.
Data Collection: Competency in accurately collecting field data, including grape samples and scouting information, and recording it legibly or digitally.
Mechanical Aptitude: Solid ability to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on vineyard machinery and infrastructure.
Valid Driver's License: A clean and valid driver's license is required for operating company vehicles and equipment.
Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish): Proficiency or fluency in Spanish is highly desirable for effective communication with field crews.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of agricultural safety standards, including proper handling of chemicals and equipment operation protocols.
Forklift Operation: Certification or experience operating a forklift safely and efficiently.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and motivated to complete tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks like pruning, thinning, and sampling, understanding that small details impact final quality.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with supervisors and crew members.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing priorities during the growing season.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful in identifying issues in the field and proposing or implementing practical solutions.
Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks for extended periods, including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, and walking on uneven terrain.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
Certificate in Viticulture or a related program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Viticulture or Enology
Plant Science or Soil Science
Horticulture or Agricultural Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in a production vineyard, orchard, or similar agricultural setting.

Preferred:

Experience with sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic farming practices.
Possession of a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Certificate (QAC) is a significant plus.
Previous experience leading small crews or training other workers.