Viticulturist

~ Our mission in growing cool-climate varietals is to create elegant, classic Oregon wines from the Willamette Valley Appellation. As native Oregonians, we treasure our environment and use sustainable practices in growing and vinifying our winegrapes. ~

A combination of determination and extraordinary people has brought Willamette Valley Vineyards from an idea to one of the region's leading wineries, earning the title "One of America's Great Pinot Noir Producers," from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 

Founder, Jim Bernau, purchased the Estate site in 1983 and cleared away the old pioneer plum orchard hidden in Scotch broom and blackberry vines. He planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) and Pinot Gris. In the beginning he hand watered the vines with seventeen lengths of 75' garden hose. 

Position Overview

Do you have a passion for growing and being outdoors? Willamette Valley Vineyards is looking for a Viticulturist to join our growing and dynamic team. This multifaceted position will be supporting our experienced and talented vineyard team, drive wine quality in the vineyard, connect with our growers, and ensure the health of our vineyards. 

Responsibilities

• Support the Vineyard Manager to increase time in the vineyard improving crew performance.
• Conduct crop estimates at specific times permitting the highest quality crop levels.
• Report work progress relating to canopy management and crop thinning to Vineyard Manager and Head Winemaker.
• Assist in implementing appropriate cover crops, nutrition and spray programs. 
• Serve as the liaison with owners of leased vineyards, contracted and prospective growers, and buyers and ensure contract terms are met in vineyards.
• Conduct soil and tissue sampling and make nutrition recommendations to achieve the highest quality fruit as possible.
• Assists with logistics during harvest for picking and delivery of fruit to the winery.
• Conducts sugar sampling.
• Supervises seasonal employee.
• Supports new planting projects including plant sourcing, preplant preparations, and monitoring of young vineyards.
• Interact with consultants and utilize data sources such as nearby vineyard owners for improving decision-making.
• Identify and secure new fruit sources as demand requires. 
• Maintains a record of site visits and effectively communicates findings and recommendations to the Head Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. 
• Maintain and report records that show compliance with all certification programs (LIVE, Salon Safe), and water use regulation (water rights/Oregon Dept. Water Resources and greywater/DEQ).
• Help ensure OSHA and Safety Compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in viticulture, plant science, agriculture or similar field or work experience.
• Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience in viticulture, vineyard operations.
• High level of proficiency in English and verbal Spanish preferred. 
• Live within 30 miles of the vineyard preferred.
• Valid OR driver license. 
• High level of computer literacy. 
• Strong work ethic with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Mechanical knowledge and general farm equipment operation experience.
• Knowledge of sustainable farming and biodynamics is a plus.
• Able to work weekends or evenings on call, if needed during harvest.
• Highly developed organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and as part of a team.