Position Summary
The Assistant Viticulturist works directly with the Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist, the Director of Viticulture, and the Vice President of Winemaking assisting in all efforts, conceptual and practical, in viticulture to make wines that would be recognized as classic and reflect time and place. This individual insists on quality in workmanship and in grapes. The Assistant Viticulturist assists the Director of Viticulture and Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist to plan, coordinate and schedule the activities of the Vineyard Team. This individual has a deep understanding of the principles of viticulture that guide Opus One and a general understanding of winemaking.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Works directly with the Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist, the Director of Viticulture, and the Vice President of Winemaking assisting in all vineyard activities in an efficient, timely, and top-quality manner.
- Promotes safety in the vineyard and Randy Zavala Vineyard Equipment Shop.
- Assists the Assistant Director of Viticulture & Winemaker/ Agroecologist to ensure timely planning, initiation, and completion of all viticultural practices.
- Makes recommendations for timing and quantity for irrigation.
- Participates in farming plan meetings with the Director of Viticulture and Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist.
- Coordinates and is responsible for vineyard data collection and analysis.
- Responsible for all ArcGIS vineyard mapping needs.
- Establishes and maintains open, consistent, and timely communication with Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist.
- Keeps abreast of support needed by winemaking and guest relations.
- Supports Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist in communicating sprays and applications to olive trees to them. Report and follow through on a timely and frequent basis to them.
- Prioritizes grapevine needs.
- Takes inventory of chemicals, supplies, and equipment on a regular basis.
- Establishes and encourages good working relationships in all areas of the vineyard, vineyard shop and winery.
- Visits all Opus One Estate Vineyard blocks and provide feedback to Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist & Director of Viticulture on a regular basis.
- Supports the Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist in site wide agroecology efforts as needed.
- Meets with core staff daily to discuss daily activities, projects, and needed support.
- Works directly with the Director of Viticulture, Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist, and Vice President of Winemaking in the preparation of short- and long-term plans.
- Participates in annual viticultural plans meetings, including preventative maintenance, with the Director of Viticulture, Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist and Vice President of Winemaking.
- Assists the Assistant Winemaker/ Agroecologist, Director of Viticulture, and Vice President of Winemaking with the annual operating and capital budgets for the Estate vineyards as needed. Make recommendations for capital budget and research options.
- Reviews annual supply inventory requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture or related field
- 2-4 years’ experience in a related field
- MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access) proficiency
- Valid Driver's License with insurable driving record
- Must be able to perform quality work safely and consistently with minimum supervision or direction
- Ability to work outdoors and on uneven terrain and inclement weather
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
- ArcGIS experience preferred
Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, lifting up to 50 pounds, and other activities necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
We invite all interested candidates to apply, even if you are unsure about whether you meet all the listed qualifications. Opus One Winery is looking for motivated, passionate, curious individuals who believe in our Core Values and Mission.
Core Competencies
- Collaboration - Reaches consensus about goals and methods for completing projects or tasks.
- Growth and Potential (A Great Place to Work) - Displays an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement, with particular emphasis on developmental areas that are job and/or organization-relevant.
- Integrity and Trust - Personally models behaviors that underscore the importance of honesty, truth, respect, and fairness in interpersonal relations; creates a supportive work environment.
- Job Performance - Displays specialized and/or in-depth skills, knowledge, or judgment associated with the position.
- Growth and Potential - Displays an on-going commitment to learning and self-improvement, with particular emphasis on areas of development.
- Reliability and Time Management - Arrives at work and/or meetings on time, ready to take action on responsibilities.
- Stewardship - Promotes and supports the individual and collective well-being of everyone at Opus One.
- Workplace Safety - Complies with all workplace safety regulations, including cybersecurity.
OUR DEDICATION TO YOU
- Competitive benefits package including 95% employer paid Medical, with 100% employer paid Dental/ Vision/ basic life coverage/ STD/ LTD for both employees and dependents
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer-only contribution, based on employee annual earnings
- Work life balance
- Wellness reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Up to 40 hours of volunteer time
- PTO; Holiday Pay
- A supportive and collaborative work environment
Working Conditions/ Hazards
Work is performed in various environments: indoor, outdoor, hot, cold. The individual will be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic chemicals, electrical hazards, and fumes or airborne particles relative to normal cellar processes. Occasionally works near moving machinery parts. Noise levels are usually moderate to loud.
Safety Duties And Responsibilities
Accident prevention is of utmost importance in all phases of job responsibilities.
- Follow all company policies and procedures including job safety, safety rules and regulations.
- Assist management to provide safe and healthy working conditions at all times.
- Immediately report all unsafe conditions, work-related accidents, and illnesses to the Safety Manager and your supervisor.
OUR COMMITMENTS
SUSTAINABILITY: Opus One Winery is committed to doing its part to ensure a sustainable future and improve the environmental well-being of our community. We will continue to ensure minimal impact by continually evaluating our environmental performance and working to improve our program whenever necessary with integrity and purity of focus.
COMPENSATION: Base Compensation Range: $32.00 - $42.00 USD hourly*
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Opus One Winery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
- The base compensation range is base salary only. In addition to base compensation, all roles are eligible for individual performance bonus and company bonus that range from role to role. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay. Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, such as skills, experience, qualifications, and tenure with Opus One.
We understand that benefits are also an important piece of your total compensation package. To learn more about our total compensation package, benefits and perks Opus One Winery has to offer, please visit our careers page.
