New York Seasonal Jobs

Finger Lakes vineyard producing outstanding, sustainably grown grapes seeks Vineyard Manager -

Keuka Lake Vineyards (KLV), noted for its excellent terroir and sustainable practices, seeks committed Vineyard Manager. KLVs vineyards, comprising 40 acres in two locations, are on steep hillsides of Keuka Lake. Work requires detailed handwork as well as machine-work. Our Vineyard Manager should be capable of supervising a small staff and doing most of the work independently. Love of farm work, care for the environment and commitment to producing excellent grapes are crucial. Experience and Capabilities:

• Extensive hands-on experience with growing grapes, hand and tractor work;
• Strong machinery aptitude, able to diagnose problems and make small equipment repairs;
• Demonstrate commitment to growing grapes sustainably;
• An in-depth understanding of how vines grow;
• Experience with vineyard hand-work -- pruning, tying, suckering and leaf pulling;
• Experience with all major tractor jobs including hilling-up and taking-out around vines, spraying fungicides, and doing a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that vineyard work is done as needed by time and season;
• Keep track of all vineyard equipment maintenance schedules and safe operation;
• Manage and carry out hilling-up and taking out;
• Manage weeds in coordination with owner using mechanical means, cover crops and experimenting with organic herbicides;
• Learn and program newly acquired laser bird scarer along with netting and other tools canons, scarecrows, shiners to keep bird and animal pressure down around harvest time;
• Lead and assist with handwork activity like pruning, tying, leaf-pulling;
• Calibrate sprayers and share spraying responsibility with another staff;
• Work closely with owner, winemaker and grape-pickers on harvest related matters;
• Keep excellent vineyard, including spray, records;
• Perform other activities related to vineyard management.

The right candidate is someone who, in addition to the requisite skills, has the passion and commitment to growing the highest quality grapes. KLV will also consider someone with the right set of skills and commitment, whose experience is in farming, but not vineyards. Candidates with more limited vineyard experience who would like to work toward becoming a vineyard manager should also not hesitate to apply.

KLV offers competitive pay and benefits (medical, dental, retirement, paid leave) to the right candidate. The pay range is $20-$27 /hour or the salary equivalent depending on experience and capability.