Viticulturist 2

Job Description
SUMMARY
Responsible for managing laboratory and field operations related to research, development, and technology transfer in viticulture and grape production.  Also is responsible for supporting senior level scientists by managing field experimentation, treatment application and evaluation, data and sample collection, and data analysis. This position supports the technical needs of related groups within Winegrowing and technology including Chemistry, Enology, GVI, Grower Relations, CP&I and Process Technology.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Conducts cultural and experimental vine manipulations that include pruning, irrigation, canopy and crop load management.
• Implements appropriate experimental protocols and plot designs for field experimentation.
• Manages fruit and tissue samples from vineyard and transports them to the laboratory.
• Designs and establishes experimental vineyard plots; employs advanced statistical project design software for evaluating and optimizing experimental treatments and interactions.
• Uses/installs appropriate equipment to collect plant and soil measurements including leaf water potential, canopy temperature, xylem sap flow and soil moisture.
• Uses appropriate GIS/GPS software platforms and interprets remote sensing data.     
• Manages data collection, summary and statistical analyses; utilizes advanced statistical software and applications for analysis of complicated data sets.
• Performs data summary analyses using advanced graphics software including SigmaPlot and SAS and SPSS.   
• Supervises interns, seasonal and temporary personnel.  
• Manages achievement of project goals, objectives, and timelines.
• Serves as the organizational liaison between viticulture and related research and production departments.
• Maintains satisfactory attendance, to include timeliness.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with applicable quality, environmental and safety regulatory considerations.  If accountable for the work of others, responsible for ensuring their understanding and compliance.
• This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Mentors project team members, seasonal employees and interns.  
• Participates in reviewing and evaluating project team members, seasonal employees and interns.


QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Biology, Plant Science or Agriculture plus 2 years of field research or vineyard management experience reflecting increasing levels of responsibility.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record.  
• Required to travel to vineyard locations throughout California (occasional over-night travel is required).
• Lift and move up to 40 pounds.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Biology, Plant Science or Agriculture plus 4 years of field research or vineyard management experience reflecting increasing levels of responsibility.
• Master’s degree in Viticulture or Plant Science.
• One year of experience managing commercial vineyards.
• Proficient in reading, writing and speaking the Spanish language.
• PCA and CCA license.
• Experience using GIS/GPS software platforms and interpreting remote sensing data.
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  
• Experience effectively presenting information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Skilled in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access at an intermediate level, PowerPoint at an advanced level.
• Skilled in applying mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Experience synthesizing and interpreting complicated data sets and models.
• Experience defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Experience interpreting an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Experience working with all levels and functions within the company.
• Experience with team building, leadership and mentoring.
• Skilled in adapting-to and understanding new and unfamiliar processes.
• Experience operating with considerable latitude for un-reviewed action or decision.
• Knowledge of the operation and interpretation of results from statistical programs such as SAS or equivalent biometric software.
• Experience applying comprehensive knowledge in the area of specialization to the completion of significant assignments.



PHYSICAL DEMANDS  
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.  



WORK ENVIRONMENT  
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, including sunlight, heat and cold.  The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.