VIneyard Worker at Pueblo Santa Ana

POSITION TITLE: Vineyard Worker

CLASSIFICATION: Nonexempt

DEPARTMENT: SAAE

SUPERVISOR: Vineyard Manager

GRADE: NE1

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Vineyard Manager, performs various farming activities for the Pueblo of Santa Ana Vineyard. Participates in all land preparation, planting, cultivating, pruning, grafting, pest control and harvesting activities.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepares land for planting activities using heavy equipment and hand tools.
• Performs plant propagation tasks including but not limited to cutting, grafting, seeding and transplanting.
• Installs irrigation and trellis systems.
• Waters, fertilizes, weeds, and performs regular pest control activities.
• Performs maintenance and preventive care of irrigation systems.
• Performs tasks as directed by the Vineyard Manager including hand pruning, dormant tying, vine training, plant and replant, shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf removal, fruit thinning and hand harvesting.
• Communicates regularly with the Vineyard Manager regarding needs/concerns of Native Plant area.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED plus 3 years vineyard and/or laborer experience is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license and be insurable under the Pueblo’s insurance.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Skill in the use of heavy equipment including tractors and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of grape cultivation and harvesting techniques.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends and varied work schedules.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to safely use chemicals and fertilizers and safely operate farm equipment.
• Ability to plan and adhere to a work schedule in order to meet strict timelines.
• Ability to read, write, and understand written instructions.
• Ability to listen, follow direction and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment.
• Ability to understand and follow all company safety rules.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit; and regularly is required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to bend at the waist and twist or rotate body as needed. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is normally performed outdoors where exposure to natural weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and wind; exposure to various dusts and mists; exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, farming chemicals and fertilizers is likely to occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Situations requiring protective head gear, safety-toe shoes, safety goggles, gloves, or protective face shields may occur.