Winemaking in some major regions of the world can be an ‘industrial’ undertaking, but for us here at Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, winemaking is an ‘artform’. Each vintage is the result of a creative process, backed by science and the result of hundreds of years of learning, guided by the hands of highly skilled and passionate experts who need to anticipate and adapt to the specific differences of each and every vintage. We are artisans, crafting wines in one of the smallest wine regions in the world, working to define the Okanagan and put our region on the world stage.
The Role
As our Soil Scientist, you play a critical role in uncovering and translating the story beneath our vines. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where soil science meets viticulture, data, and sustainability. You will build and own our soil knowledge base, transform complex data into actionable vineyard decisions, and partner closely with viticulture, winemaking, sustainability, and data teams to support vineyard performance today and long‑term land health for generations to come. This role exists to elevate soil from a dataset to a strategic asset. You will serve as the internal authority on vineyard soils, helping define how soil knowledge is captured, interpreted, and applied across our vineyards. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of field work, applied research, and strategic thinking — and who is motivated by making a tangible impact from soil to bottle.
Soil Data & Knowledge Leadership
- Build, maintain, and evolve a comprehensive soil data library, including soil pits, EM38 scans, lab analyses, and GIS layers.
- Ensure data integrity, accessibility, and governance to support informed decision‑making across the viticulture team.
- Compile and communicate the Okanagan Valley “soil story” for internal and external stakeholders.
- Translate complex soil and spatial data into clear, actionable viticulture recommendations.
- Serve as the internal subject‑matter expert on vineyard soils, advising vineyard managers and leadership on soil‑driven decisions.
- Establish standards and best practices for soil data collection, interpretation, and long‑term monitoring across all vineyard sites.
Viticulture & Vineyard Support
- Design and execute a vine‑based fertilizer program with full traceability from soil to bottle.
- Collect, interpret, and apply soil and plant nutrition data (leaf, petiole, sap) to support vineyard health and fruit quality.
- Partner with the Vineyard Performance & Data Analytics team to support vineyard data collection, yield forecasting, phenology, and maturity tracking.
- Support vineyard irrigation design and build using soil electrical conductivity and analysis data.
- Connect soil variability to vine performance, irrigation strategy, and nutrient management across diverse vineyard blocks.
- Balance hands‑on fieldwork (soil pits, sampling, vineyard visits) with data analysis and strategic planning throughout the growing season.
Research, Sustainability & Innovation
- Lead applied research trials focused on soil health, cover crops, and irrigation efficiency.
- Maintain an internal research program and communicate insights to key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Sustainability team to implement, measure, and report vineyard sustainability initiatives, including IWBC compliance.
- Identify, pilot, and help integrate emerging technologies such as precision soil sensing, variable‑rate applications, remote monitoring, and drone technology.
- Design multi‑year research initiatives that balance scientific rigor with practical vineyard application.
- Support sustainability storytelling and reporting by providing credible, science‑based soil insights in partnership with sustainability and brand teams.
- Evaluate the practicality, scalability, and ROI of new soil and precision‑ag technologies before broader adoption.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Oversee the GIS team, ensuring accurate mapping and integration of soil and vineyard datasets.
- Drive data governance standards across viticulture systems.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with viticulture, winemaking, sustainability, marketing/brand, and IT teams.
- Influence vineyard development, irrigation, and land‑use decisions through clear, trusted soil‑driven insights.
- Act as a connector between field teams and data teams, ensuring soil intelligence is embedded into everyday vineyard decision‑making.
Who You Are
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in agriculture or a soil‑related field.
- Strong knowledge of soil formation, classification, and physical and chemical characteristics.
- Hands‑on experience with soil electrical conductivity mapping (EM38 or Veris).
- Working knowledge of GIS systems and data analysis (formal GIS training is an asset).
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying and inclement weather conditions.
- Experience operating an ATV/RTV is an asset.
- Valid BC Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team‑first mindset.
- Motivated by applied science, long‑term land stewardship, and building programs that leave a lasting legacy.
What’s In It For You
- End‑to‑end ownership and influence — This is not a narrow support role. You will build, shape, and lead our soil science program, with real authority to influence vineyard design, irrigation strategy, nutrition programs, and long‑term land stewardship decisions.
- A rare chance to build something meaningful — You will create the frameworks, standards, and knowledge base that define how soil science is applied across our vineyards for years to come.
- Visible impact from soil to bottle — Your work will directly influence vine health, fruit quality, sustainability outcomes, and the long‑term resilience of our vineyards.
- Deep cross‑functional partnership — Work closely with viticulture, winemaking, sustainability, data, and brand teams, ensuring soil intelligence is embedded into everyday decision‑making — not siloed in reports.
- A balance of fieldwork and strategic thinking — Spend time in the vineyards collecting data and digging soil pits, while also shaping long‑term research priorities, technology adoption, and sustainability initiatives.
- A role grounded in purpose and legacy — Help steward some of the Okanagan Valley’s most important vineyard lands, contributing to sustainable farming practices that support future generations.
- Room to grow and evolve — As the program matures, this role offers the opportunity to expand scope, influence, and leadership alongside the business.
Why Join Us?
Iconic Wineries of British Columia is committed to hiring, engaging, and growing qualified, talented, and motivated team members at every level of our organization. We offer competitive compensation that recognizes individual and company performance. The typical hiring range for this position is $85,000 - $95,000 annually complemented by a bonus plan; the base pay is determined by market location and job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and education.
As part of our Total Rewards program, we are also proud to offer:
- Access to company-matched RRSP contributions
- Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans with 24/7 access to care and support for you and your family
- Paid time off
- Training and development to build a fulfilling career
At Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, we exist to Unearth the Extraordinary:
Our Purpose is not just a statement; it is a call to action that binds us together and ignites our passion for making a difference. It is the driving force behind why we do what we do every single day, connecting our global organization across all business units, roles, and locations. We are:
Best in Our Craft
We set the standard with a pursuit of excellence that can be found in everything from our products and processes to our plants and people.
Ambitiously Curious
We stay curious, dreaming big and navigating the unknown with an enduring belief in better.
Made With Humility
We bring humility, authenticity, fun, and support to every collaboration and celebrate wins as a team.
Daringly Disruptive
We disrupt the status quo, moving fast to seize opportunities and acting scrappy to stay ahead of industry giants.
