Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate in the Salem Hills is looking for a Vineyards Operations Coordinator to oversee the Vineyard operations and lead the development projects within the company.
Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of Oregon’s most respected and enduring wine producers. Founded in 1983 by local Oregon native Jim Bernau (with co-founder Don Voorhies), the company emerged from a bold vision to create world-class cool-climate wines -especially Pinot Noir- in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Over the decades, that vision has grown into a well-established enterprise cultivating over 500 acres of sustainable estate vineyards and producing wines under multiple labels including its flagship Willamette Valley Vineyards line. In the broader context of Oregon winemaking, Willamette Valley Vineyards occupies a place of leadership. The Willamette Valley is widely regarded as Oregon’s premier wine region — home to the majority of the state’s wineries and celebrated globally for elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varietals.
By dedicating itself to the production of premium and ultra-premium wines, Willamette Valley Vineyards has built a reputation for consistent quality, craftsmanship, and respect for the valley’s unique soils and climate. As a publicly traded company, and historically known as a “wine enthusiast-owned” winery, this model helped sustain the business in its early years — with many shareholders volunteering time in operations and Tasting-Room service. This blend of commercial success, community roots, and commitment to sustainable, high-quality viticulture has helped make Willamette Valley Vineyards a cornerstone of Oregon’s wine industry, and a benchmark for excellence in the region.
Primary Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions
- Operations Management: Use vineyard management software (AgCode, Excel) to track vineyard activities, manage labor and equipment, and oversee vineyard budget. Ensure equipment performance, safety, and contractor management.
- Viticulture and Crop Management: Develop and oversee all vineyard operations across over 500+ estate acres. Maintain accurate record keeping, spray programs, canopy management, pest and disease monitoring, safety, and compliance programs. Provide crop estimates and thinning recommendations, harvest planning, picking decision recommendations, and fruit delivery. Collaboratively develop and monitors annual farming plans that are consistent with the winery's quality standards.
- Vineyard Development: Assist with new and existing vineyard development, including scouting properties, land acquisition, planning and design, land preparation, coordination of vineyard supplies, irrigation, and planting.
- Fiscal Management: Partner with the Vineyard and Winemaking team to create annual operating budgets and capital expenditure proposals.
- Farming Innovation: Increase farming efficiency through the integration of new technology and mechanization.
- Vineyard Certifications: Maintain records and submit reports in accordance with LIVE, Demeter, Salmon-Safe, and other regulatory programs.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the vineyard team, providing guidance and growth opportunities within the company.
- Harvest Operations: Collaborate with the Winemaking team on all aspects of harvest, including maturity sampling, picking schedules, coordination of mechanical and hand harvesting, and fruit transportation.
- Grower Relations: In coordination with the Director of Winemaking and Vineyards and senior executives, manages vineyard contracts and develops long-term vineyard partnerships to support sales demands.
- Sustainability: Supports the Company’s effort to foster a sustainable, cross-cultural, and environmentally responsible workplace.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Policies and Procedures
- Policies and Procedures in the Willamette Valley Vineyards Employee Handbook and related Policies and Procedures in the Policy & Procedure Manual are to be included in this agreement.
- Hands on experience in Viticulture, Vineyard Operations Management and Development
- Knowledge of organic farming and biodynamics preferred, in addition to obtaining a PCA license before a start date.
- Proficiency in industry-specific Spanish is preferred.
- Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
- A valid Oregon driver’s license is required.
- High level of computer literacy, and the ability to use AgCode and Microsoft Excel.
- A strong work ethic with excellent organizational and time management skills
- Mechanical knowledge and general farm equipment operation experience.
- Must be available to work peak demand times, including harvest and extended hours when needed.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills – provide solutions to problems and be able to navigate/pivot if there is a problem with the supply chain.
- Strong organizational skills – demonstrate a continuous learning and improvement mindset.
- Forward thinker/problem solvers - have a contingency plan in place.
- Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently, and an eagerness to advance in the wine industry.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines.
PI280285573
