Position Summary
The Vineyard & Orchard Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and long-term development of Caldwell First Nation’s agricultural lands and production systems, including vineyard operations, cider orchards, and future orchard and food forest initiatives. This role is responsible for managing vineyard crop production activities, supervising staff and contractors, ensuring crop quality and productivity targets are achieved, and supporting the overall success and sustainability of agricultural operations.
The Vineyard Manager will work closely with leadership, agricultural partners, and external vendors to ensure agricultural activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in alignment with operational objectives, environmental practices, and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- The Vineyard Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all agricultural operations, including vineyard and orchard maintenance, planting, pruning, irrigation, crop management, pest and disease control, fertilization, harvest coordination, and overall land stewardship activities.
- The role oversees maintenance activities to ensure the health, quality, and productivity of crops and agricultural assets while monitoring growing conditions, soil health, weather patterns, and crop performance.
- The Vineyard & Orchard Manager supervises agricultural employees, seasonal workers, and contractors, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with workplace expectations and health and safety requirements.
- The position is responsible for developing and implementing seasonal work plans, operational schedules, and maintenance programs to support production targets, operational efficiency and future agricultural development initiatives.
- The Vineyard and Orchard Manager monitors vineyard equipment, supplies, and inventory requirements and coordinates repairs, maintenance, and procurement activities as needed.
- The role works collaboratively with leadership and external agricultural consultants regarding crop planning, forecasting, harvest timing, orchard development, and operational improvements.
- The Vineyard & Orchard Manager supports the ongoing development and expansion of agricultural initiatives, including orchard and food forest projects aligned with Caldwell First Nation’s long-term land use and sustainability goals.
- The Vineyard and Orchard Manager ensures compliance with applicable agricultural regulations, environmental standards, pesticide handling requirements, and workplace health and safety legislation.
- The position maintains accurate operational records relating to crop yields, pesticide applications, irrigation schedules, equipment maintenance, staffing, and vineyard performance metrics.
- The Vineyard and Orchard Manager participates in annual budgeting processes and monitors operational expenditures to support responsible financial management.
- The role supports continuous improvement initiatives and may provide recommendations regarding vineyard expansion, sustainability practices, infrastructure improvements, and operational efficiencies.
Qualifications and Experience
- Post-secondary education in Viticulture, Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Agriculture, Farm Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive vineyard, orchard, agricultural, or farm management experience.
- Experience supervising staff in an agricultural or production environment.
- Strong knowledge of agricultural operations, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, pruning techniques, and harvest planning.
- Knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations and safe equipment operation practices.
- Experience operating agricultural equipment and machinery is considered an asset.
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License required.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong attention to detail and operational oversight capabilities.
- Ability to work in varying outdoor weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
Working Conditions
This position requires regular work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain. The role may require extended hours during peak growing and harvest seasons.
The position may involve exposure to agricultural equipment, chemicals, dust, noise, and physically demanding work activities.
Reporting Relationship
The Vineyard and Orchard Manager reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or designate.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Caldwell First Nation reserves the right to amend or modify this job description at any time based on operational requirements.
Work Location: In person
