Vineyard Scout II

Req ID: 7042

Department: Winemaking

Status: Reg F-T Non-Exempt, Nonexempt

Location: St. Helena, California (US-CA)

Workplace Location: On-Site

Job Summary:

The Vineyard Scout Level II has met all the requirements of Level I. It is an advanced field position responsible for identifying and assessing various abiotic and biotic factors impacting vineyard health. This role requires strong critical thinking skills, expertise in diagnosing vineyard issues, and the ability to lead data collection efforts in vineyard trials and research projects. The Vineyard Scout Level III will play a crucial role in vineyard management, offering insights on pest and disease pressures, nutritional deficiencies, and yield estimations, while also mentoring junior vineyard scouts.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Critical Thinking & Issue Assessment: Use advanced critical thinking to identify, assess, and respond to issues affecting vine health, distinguishing between abiotic (environmental) and biotic (living) factors.
• Disease Pressure Identification: Identify and assess the incidence and severity of vineyard diseases, including but not limited to powdery mildew, sour rot, bunch rot, esca, and Phomopsis. Provide timely recommendations for treatment.
• Regional Pest & Disease Knowledge: Develop expertise in regional pest and disease pressures across key vineyard regions (North Coast, Sacramento Valley, Central Coast) and monitor these pressures within the vineyard.
• Pest & Disease Pressure Analysis: Identify environmental and operational factors that may contribute to increased disease or pest pressure and recommend actions to mitigate risks.
• Hot Spot Identification: Locate and document “hot spots” within vineyard blocks where disease or pest pressures are concentrated, allowing for targeted intervention and treatment.
• Weed Identification: Identify common regional vineyard weeds at both seedling and mature stages and recommend appropriate weed management strategies.
• Nutritional Deficiency & Toxicity Identification: Recognize symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and toxicities in vines and communicate findings to vineyard management to adjust fertilization or soil management strategies.
• Yield Estimation Assistance: Assist with yield estimation by conducting flower counts, cluster counts, cluster weights, and pruning weights, with a particular focus on identifying weak and strong areas within vineyard blocks for targeted data collection.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the vineyard team, including the vineyard manager and viticulturists, to implement effective vine management practices and ensure a cohesive approach to vineyard health.
• Lead Data Collection in Trials: Take the lead in coordinating and conducting data collection for vineyard trials and research projects, ensuring accuracy and integrity of data.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior vineyard scouts, helping them develop their skills in pest and disease identification, yield estimation, and data collection.
• Safety Compliance and Leadership: Lead by example in following all vineyard safety protocols. Demonstrate exemplary safety leadership by actively promoting a culture of safety, mentoring team members on compliance, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential safety hazards in the field.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. A degree in viticulture, agriculture, or related field preferred but not required.
• Two or more years of experience working in a vineyard or agricultural environment, with a focus on identifying disease, pest pressures, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and be able to meet all TFE requirements as part of operating a company fleet vehicle for this role.
• Effective written and verbal communication (English required; Spanish preferred)
• Attention to detail; ability to identify small changes is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in effectively reporting findings to vineyard team members at various levels of the organization including junior staff.
• Ability to use vineyard management software and GIS mapping tools & devices, mobile applications, or other data collection tools.
• Ability to manage time effectively, work independently, and manage tasks without constant supervision.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed recommendations for vineyard management.
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk long distances across uneven terrain, and lift up to 55 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Moderate to heavy physical work
• Work site may be any one of Trinchero Family Estates’ facilities
• Frequent walking and standing anywhere from 8-10 hours per day, bending, and lifting (up to 50–55 lbs.)
• Must comply with all safety equipment requirements including ear plugs and safety glasses
• Exposure to various chemicals in production areas
• Exposure to machinery, forklifts and related production equipment
• Ability to work extended and long hours during peak periods or on various shifts typically ranging from 8-12 hours per day (e.g. during harvest)
• Able to bend, stretch, push, pull and move as needed to reach, clean and service/use equipment

Salary Range: $25.80 - $31.00

The starting pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, training, education, and geographic location. TFE offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, PTO, wellness programs and fertility and family building benefits. We also provide a 401(k) plan where TFE may make a discretionary profit-sharing contribution.

Trinchero Family Estates provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Trinchero Family Estates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.