Position Purpose

Under general supervision, the Grower Relations Intern is primarily responsible for monitoring grower vineyards to meet specific program objectives. Accountable for providing viticulture information necessary for grape assessments, and guidance to growers.

Functional Responsibility

Essential Duties

• Monitors grower vineyards for pests, diseases, fruit soundness, comparing canopy status to lab results to help determine whether fruit will benefit from longer hang time or whether it should be picked sooner
• Monitors grower harvest, as needed
• Directs, trains and manages 3 sugar samplers on a daily basis – sampling outside grower vineyards in the 4 North Coast districts
• Maintains GPS units, vineyard map books, and ArcView/Vineyard Block Information Systems
• Coordinates grape sample processing through the Black Stallion Laboratory
• Ensures all DFW safety and other policies are implemented and adhered to.
• Monitors inventory of half ton macro bins at Black Stallion Winery

*Other duties may be assigned

Non-Essential Duties

• Provides administrative/clerical support as needed, i.e. word processing, filing, phone, email, report maintenance, and calendar coordination

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Some college work in Viticulture, Enology, or related field. Experience working in agricultural field with comparable hands-on practical experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Must be detail and multi-task oriented
• Proficient in the use of MS Office based environment, (Word, Outlook, Excel and other software applications). Familiarization with winemaking regions, appellations, varieties, climates, terroir, and how they relate to variation of growing practices
• Thorough understanding of viticulture and winemaking
• Ability to work in a fast paced dynamic environment
• Must be willing to follow and lead when necessary
• Follow direction and lead others by example
• Must be able to work flexible hours, days, and shifts during harvest, including early morning hours and some weekends
• Must be able to walk and travel through vineyards (uneven terrain)

Certificates and Licenses

• Acceptable driving history with valid Driver’s License

Working Conditions

• Uneven terrain in vineyard environment
• Protected Heights
• Drives Company assigned vehicle for work purposes only
• Exposed to dust, fumes and gases, and other vineyard hazards, such as pesticide exposure, reptiles and/or insects

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.