Description of Position

Manager, Vineyard

Hiring Range Depending on Qualifications

Location: Southwest Wine Center, Yavapai College, Verde Valley Campus, Clarkdale, AZ

Reports to: Director of Viticulture & Enology

Position Overview:

The Vineyard Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the 13-acre estate vineyard at the Southwest Wine Center. This position supports the Viticulture & Enology academic program by leading vineyard operations, coordinating with students and staff, and maintaining a high standard of vineyard management practices to produce premium wine grapes. The Vineyard Manager manages vineyard employees, students, and vineyard resources while ensuring safety and compliance with all college and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Vineyard Operations Management:
Oversee and manage all vineyard tasks, including pruning, suckering, positioning, tucking, tying, hedging, leafing, fruit thinning, and harvesting.
Monitor vine health, phenological stages, and pest/disease pressure, applying the appropriate pesticide and amendment programs as necessary.
Maintain and repair vineyard infrastructure such as irrigation systems, trellises, end posts, and equipment.
Ensure all vineyard activities adhere to safety standards and that students and staff are trained in safety protocols.
Work Planning & Scheduling:
Develop and communicate weekly work plans for students and employees, ensuring timely completion of vineyard tasks.
Create and maintain work schedules for part-time employees, coordinating with the Director as needed.
Manage and lead vineyard operations during harvest, scheduling students and staff for peak efficiency.
Instruction & Student Engagement:
Serve as the instructor for the Viticulture Practicum course (VEN 195V), teaching and supervising students in hands-on vineyard management practices.
Develop and maintain the course syllabus and deliver practical education based on the vineyard's seasonal needs.
Provide guidance and mentorship to students, ensuring they gain practical vineyard management experience.
Equipment & Resource Management:
Ensure that all vineyard equipment and tools are maintained, serviced, and available for use.
Order and manage vineyard supplies, including amendments, pesticides, and vineyard materials, to ensure operations continue smoothly.
Keep accurate records of pesticide and chemical usage, as Arizona regulations require.
Compliance & Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of vineyard operations, pesticide applications, and equipment maintenance.
Ensure compliance with Arizona Department of Agriculture regulations and maintain or acquire a Pesticide Applicator License.
Promptly report any accidents, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns to the Director.

Minimum Expectations & Requirements

Minimum of 2-4 years of vineyard management experience.
Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to plan and prioritize work effectively.
Ability to operate various vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools (tractor, UTV, etc.)
Valid Arizona driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
Pesticide Applicator License with the Arizona Department of Agriculture or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to mentor and instruct students. Basic computer skills: use of Word, Excel, email, etc.
Ability to work in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding vineyard tasks.
Minimum Qualifications for Occupational Disciplines.
Degree in the discipline (associate’s degree or higher) AND 5 years or 5,000 hours of documented experience recent with the discipline; AND/OR
Professional Licensure/Specialized certificate(s) AND/OR 5 years or 5,000 hours of documented and recent work experience

Preferred Skills & Abilities

Experience in vineyard education or training in an academic setting.
Knowledge of sustainable and organic vineyard practices.
Proficiency with vineyard management software and data collection tools.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends during critical vineyard periods.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Certification/Licensure for specific trade(s) or craft may be required. Valid AZ Driver's License (or ability to obtain).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat.

The noise level in the work environment is periodically loud when equipment is being used, but is otherwise quiet.

Yavapai College

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Manager, Vineyard