Vineyard Operations Specialist at Confidential

Overview

An established winery in the Leelanau Peninsula is seeking an experienced Vineyard Manager to oversee the year-round care, health, and performance of multiple estate vineyards.

This hands-on leadership role is responsible for vineyard operations, including vine and crop health, pruning and canopy management, spray programs, equipment and infrastructure, seasonal labor, and the planning and execution of vineyard activities.

The Vineyard Manager will work closely with winemaking and leadership while operating with a high degree of independence and accountability. Strong communication, sound judgment, and the ability to proactively identify and address vineyard needs are essential.

This is a year-round position, with opportunities to support other areas of winery operations during periods of lower vineyard activity.

Duties

• Manage the overall health and performance of company vineyards, including vine health, crop development, fruit quality, yield, pest and disease pressure, and weather-related conditions.
• Plan, execute, and oversee seasonal vineyard activities, including pruning, tying, canopy management, vineyard floor management, replanting, and harvest.
• Develop and manage spray and pest-management programs using appropriate vineyard scouting and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Work closely with winemaking and leadership on crop planning, fruit quality objectives, vineyard improvements, harvest timing, and long-term vineyard strategies.
• Provide leadership with regular, proactive updates on vineyard health, crop development, tonnage estimates, seasonal activities, emerging concerns, and upcoming priorities.
• Maintain accurate vineyard records, maps, spray schedules, compliance documentation, and other information necessary for planning and year-over-year evaluation.
• Recruit, schedule, supervise, and train regular, seasonal, H-2A, temporary, and contract vineyard labor as needed.
• Lead harvest activities for company-owned vineyards, coordinating picking schedules, labor, fruit delivery, and communication with winemaking and cellar teams.
• Manage vineyard equipment, vehicles, tools, trellising, and infrastructure, including preventative maintenance, repairs, and readiness for seasonal operations.
• Plan proactively for each growing season, including labor, equipment, supplies, spray programs, infrastructure projects, and vineyard improvements.
• Maintain current knowledge of viticultural practices appropriate for Northern Michigan's climate and growing conditions.
• Support other winery, property, and operational needs during periods of lower seasonal vineyard activity, while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

Job Requirements

• Maintain a Certified Pesticide Applicator license and comply with applicable pesticide use, storage, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Maintain vineyard environmental certification requirements, including MAEAP.
• Prior experience in a vineyard role is required
• Strong basic math and measurement skills, including the ability to accurately calculate and measure spray applications, and basic computer proficiency with spreadsheets, data entry, recordkeeping, and email
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse vineyard team; Spanish-language proficiency is strongly preferred to support communication with Spanish-speaking employees
• Strong attention to detail, highly organized and able to multi-task
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving farm equipment
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with co-workers, growers, and leadership
• Hiring is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and motor vehicle report

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. Candidates should be comfortable working in variable weather conditions and contributing wherever needed to support vineyard operations.

Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour

Work Location: In person