We are seeking a hands-on, experienced Vineyard Foreman to manage our vineyards in the Northern Okanagan. In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of approximately 100 acres of company-managed vineyards, ensuring vine health, productivity, and sustainability.
In this role, you will supervise vineyard labour, monitor key data, manage costs, and support critical viticulture decisions through accurate observation and reporting. Success in this role requires strong field presence, practical vineyard expertise, keen attention to detail, and clear, proactive communication with the team.
This position is based at our North vineyard location at 6674 Bella Vista Rd, Vernon, BC, V1H 1B8
Key Responsibilities
Vineyard Operations
- Assume day-to-day ownership of assigned vineyard blocks, ensuring all cultural practices are completed according to viticultural plans, seasonal timelines, and quality standards.
- Execute and oversee all vineyard operations including pruning, tying, shoot positioning, wire management, leaf removal, cluster thinning, hand hoeing, tractor operations, irrigation management, and harvest activities.
- Take direct responsibility for vineyard health, ensuring vines are maintained in a disease-free condition through proactive monitoring, prevention, and timely intervention.
- Conduct regular, vineyard scouting for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, water stress, frost damage, and vine balance.
- Flag and communicate potential risks early, recommending corrective measures to management and carrying out corrective actions in the field.
- Ensure vineyard work supports production targets for yield, fruit quality, vine longevity, and sustainability.
Labour Leadership & Performance Management
- Train, mentor, and hold accountable vineyard crews, including local employees and Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).
- Set clear daily and weekly work plans and quality expectations.
- Support coordination, onboarding, and compliance related to Temporary Foreign Worker programs (SAWP, AgStream).
- Manage fertilizer, chemical, tool, and supply inventories to ensure appropriate availability and stewardship.
Equipment, Irrigation & Infrastructure
- Oversee the safe and effective use of vineyard equipment and machinery.
- Ensure preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime.
- Take primary responsibility for irrigation system operation, including scheduling, monitoring, troubleshooting, repairs, and reporting deficiencies.
- Maintain vineyard infrastructure (trellis systems, wires, posts, drip irrigation) to required standards.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Lead vineyard safety practices and ensure compliance with OH&S, WCB, WHMIS, pesticide use regulations, and company policies.
- Identify hazards, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure crews are trained, equipped, and working safely at all times.
Harvest & Cross-Department Support
- Coordinate and participate in harvest operations, including supervising vineyard crews and hauling fruit from company and contract vineyards as required.
- Support other operational divisions as needed, including equipment operation and vineyard crew supervision.
- Be available for on-call responsibilities related to irrigation, frost events, disease risk periods, and emergencies.
Requirements
- Certificate, diploma, or degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
- Spanish language considered an asset
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License required; Class 3 or Endorsement 20 required or obtainable.
- Ability to lift up to 50+ lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to be “on-call” and work long hours as required
- Minimum 2–5 years of vineyard experience, including leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated ability to assess vine health, identify disease and pest pressure, and implement preventative practices.
- Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and disciplined record-keeping.
- Experience with Temporary Foreign Worker programs (SAWP, AgStream) is an asset.
What We Offer
- The pay range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 (*) per annum, commensurate with experience.
- Paid time off
- Extended Health Benefits
- Use of fleet vehicle and gas card
- Employee Discount in Cafe, Tasting Room& Restaurant
It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
About Frind Estate Winery
Established in 2017 with the purchase of the historic Bennett property in West Kelowna, Frind Estate Winery blends agriculture with technological opportunity.
With over 400 acres planted across 15 thriving vineyards spanning the Okanagan Valley, and another 250 acres to be planted, Frind Winery Ltd. has ambitious plans for future expansion, where our company stands at the forefront of viticultural innovation.
We are dedicated to crafting excellence in every vine, cultivating multiple distinct grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Marechal, Foch and Regent, across our varied geographic locations from as far south as Osoyoos to as far north as Vernon.
Apply Today!
Please submit your most recent resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to [email protected]. Be sure to include your location, phone number, and personal email so we can connect with you.
We look forward to meeting you!
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Experience:
- Vineyard: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Class 5 Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
