Assistant Vineyard Manager

The Cloudy Bay story is one of adventure. After a single sip in 1983, David Hohnen was captivated by Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. In 1985 David and winemaker Kevin Judd launched Cloudy Bay with a vision for making New Zealand wines of uncompromising quality. It’s been that way ever since.

We are looking for an Assistant Vineyard Manager to be part of our Vineyards Team, reporting to the Vineyard Manager.  This role is responsible for oversight and implementation of day-to-day vineyard operations.  You will work closely with the Vineyard Manager and will share responsibility for developing and implementing work programs, staff and contractor supervision, quality control, and precision viticulture operations.  These roles can move between company vineyards, so maintaining good working relationships and lines of communication with staff in other parts of the company, contract growers and visitors is critical.

Your hours will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. During the growing season, to suit operational requirements, you may work additional hours, up to 10+ hours in length, up to 6 days per week (maximum of 60 hours per week).

Your day-to-day will include:

• Developing and implementing weekly work plans and operational programmes with the Vineyard Manager
• Communicating work plans and operational programmes to CBV staff and contractors
• Supervision of CBV vineyard staff and contractors for day-to-day vineyard operations
• General repairs and maintenance of vineyard plant, equipment and trellis to a safe and functional standard
• Tractor operations such as vine and weed spraying, sweeping, canopy trimming, leaf plucking, mowing, mulching, cultivating, gondola driving
• Record keeping including phenology records, spray diaries and timesheets
• Operation, service and maintenance of irrigation systems
• Grape harvest supervision as well as other harvest roles as required, including harvester operation
• Soil, petiole sampling, fertilizer application and collection of other required vineyard data        
• OH&S participation

You will need:

• 3+ years vineyard operational experience OR a diploma in agronomy / horticulture / agriculture / viticulture
• Lead by example leadership skills, in particular the ability to motivate and enthuse team members to create a positive team environment
• Class 1 valid driver’s license
• Forklift license
• First Aid Certificate
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• English language

• An hourly rate of $32.00–$34.50 (depending on experience / qualification)
• 9% superannuation
• Annual bonus target
• Health insurance
• Annual wine allocation
• Generous wine, food and merchandise discount at our cellar door
• A positive and supportive team culture
• Focus on employee inclusion, wellbeing, and health & safety
• Forward-thinking structured professional environment
• Staff events and team experiences