Vineyard Scout II

Trinchero Family Estates•Vineyard, CA

19h•$26 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Vineyard Scout Level II 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.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
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.

Nice To Haves

A degree in viticulture, agriculture, or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Use advanced critical thinking to identify, assess, and respond to issues affecting vine health, distinguishing between abiotic (environmental) and biotic (living) factors.
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.
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.
Identify environmental and operational factors that may contribute to increased disease or pest pressure and recommend actions to mitigate risks.
Locate and document “hot spots” within vineyard blocks where disease or pest pressures are concentrated, allowing for targeted intervention and treatment.
Identify common regional vineyard weeds at both seedling and mature stages and recommend appropriate weed management strategies.
Recognize symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and toxicities in vines and communicate findings to vineyard management to adjust fertilization or soil management strategies.
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.
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.
Take the lead in coordinating and conducting data collection for vineyard trials and research projects, ensuring accuracy and integrity of data.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior vineyard scouts, helping them develop their skills in pest and disease identification, yield estimation, and data collection.
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.