Title: Equipment Operator

Reports to: Vineyard Manager

Classification: Hourly Non-Exempt

Compensation: $27.00 per hour

Overview:

Merry Edwards Winery, founded in 1997, produces Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from almost 80 acres of certified sustainable vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

The winery is now under the ownership of Maison Louis Roederer from Champagne, France. Maison Louis Roederer is currently managed by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of family lineage. The family and its wineries are committed to responsible stewardship of the land, and to crafting exceptional, terroir-driven wines.

Job Summary:

The Equipment Operator will report directly to the Vineyard Supervisor and indirectly to the Vineyard Manager. They will be responsible for operating and maintaining various types of agricultural machinery and equipment for vineyard farming, harvest and maintenance. They may be assigned additional tasks such as irrigation, irrigation repair and maintenance or other necessary tasks. Following the direction of the Vineyard Supervisor, they will complete assignments with a focus on safety, quality and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has excellent equipment skills, some mechanical expertise with machinery, and extensive experience in vineyard operations. We prefer candidates that are team players with a strong work ethic, and an open, honest attitude.

This is a Full-Time, onsite position located at Merry Edwards Winery in Sebastopol, California.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Communicate with vineyard supervisor daily to exchange information and feedback, update work assignments and projects, and align priorities and goals.
Operate tractors, ATVs, forklifts and other vineyard equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on machinery.
Monitor equipment performance and report issues to supervisors.
Maintain accurate logs of equipment use and maintenance.
Carry out assigned additional tasks, which may include irrigation, repair and maintenance, or other tasks necessary for safe and effective operations.
Safely store, mix and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safety in the workplace.
Maintain clean, organized ranches, work spaces and shop.
Support harvest operations, including grape transport and bin handling.
Accurately record and report the details of all accidents and injuries to management.

Job Requirements:

Extensive experience and working knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Able to work flexible and occasionally long hours.
Competent with basic math.
Valid California driver’s license, not under restriction or suspension. Equipment certification of Class A/B designation a plus.
This position requires pre-employment alcohol and drug screening upon hire.

Physical Qualifications:

Regularly required to stand or be on their feet for long periods of time.
Regularly required to drive machinery for long periods of time.
Able to lift and move 50 pounds and perform physical labor as needed.
Able to climb ladders and stairs repeatedly.
Able to work outdoors, walk up and down hills on uneven ground, and perform all physical vineyard tasks in varied weather conditions and terrain.
Able to work early hours and night hours during spray season and harvest.
Able to work safely in conditions where they may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
Able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, see clearly, taste and smell.
Able to hear and understand verbal communication.

Benefits:

Competitive compensation
Eligible for group benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
Annual Bonus
Paid holidays
Paid time off
401k retirement plan with employer match
Flexible Spending Account

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Experience:

Vineyard Equipment: 1 year (Required)
Irrigation Repair & Maintenance: 1 year (Required)
Handling Pesticides: 1 year (Required)
Forklift: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Merry Edwards Winery

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Equipment Operator