Viticulture Specialist

We're not just about grapes. Our bold ambition is to be the leading company of convenient, good for you, fruit-based food and beverage globally. To make this happen, we need talented, agile and innovative people who want to help us grow something special together.

Our culture is authentic, and we are building an inclusive environment where you belong and can be the best version of yourself. If you're passionate about achieving goals, trying new things and making an impact every day, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary:

We're looking for a Viticulture Specialist who will implement new technologies that will enable National Grape Cooperative Association patrons to achieve production levels essential to maintaining profitability. This person will have overall responsibility for improving individual patron and area yields through the implementation of an effective communications program. They will also manage the orderly and equitable delivery of members' grapes at our manufacturing facility in Grandview, Washington.

What You'll Do:

• Assisting the Regional Manager/Sr. Business Partner in developing and evaluating research proposals specific to addressing technological needs of patrons. Maintains close, effective working relationships with researchers, extension personnel and crop consultants in assigned areas.
• Develop and implement specific action plans that will enable patrons to reach mutually agreed-upon production and quality goals.
• Responsible for pre-harvest and harvest activites at Grandview, WA. Manage the orderly and equitable delivery of members' grapes, operating within the scope of National policies and procedures, working closely with plant management.
  • Develop and Manage the Harvest Schedule and manage Scale House and Inspection activities prior to and during the Harvest season.
• Execute and process member records and marketing agreement changes.
• Assist in collecting, evaluating and determining accurate and timely crop forecast.
• Visit growers on frequent basis fostering positive member relations with grower/owners.

You will be expected to:

• Assist in grower meetings providing growers with business and crop updates.
• Focus on equitable harvester scheduling for efficient plant operations.
• Manage the crop intake and grape quality at harvest.
• Act as Fruit Receiving Supervisor role managing and supervising the inspection and scale house employees.
• Harvest Data management and operating SPDC
• Collaborate with WSU and other viticulture professionals on research priorities and technologies that will benefit the grape juice industry now and in the future.
• Provide assistance to members with National's Sustainability Program, A vital program designed for a future in agriculture.

Who You Are:

• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with strong interpersonal skills to work closely with our Family Farmer growers and other cross functional team members in regards to meetings, day to day projects and developing schedules prior to Harvest season.
• Continuous improvement mindset with desire to spend time in professional development activities to improve skills essential to job performance. Self-motivated and results driven.
• Working knowledge of horticulture principles.
• Understanding of pesticide regulations and principles.
• Ability to work through challenging situations (harvest, grower conflicts, etc.)
• Demonstrated capability of Leading Self and Leading Others, assume leadership roles.
• Proficient communication skills both oral and written, comfortable giving presentations to large groups.

What You'll Need:

• 1+ years of experience as a Viticulturist or experience in Viticulture/Agriculture is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or other related degree strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of general farming and common Viticultural practices.
• Viticulture and/or Agriculture experience.
• Excellent MS Office (Excel and PowerPoint) skills, experience with database applications is a plus.

What You'll Enjoy:

• Vehicle Allowance
• Organization with a bold, clear purpose.
• Authentic culture that supports working together to deliver results.
• Workplace where teams care about each other and your voice is heard.
• Core and voluntary benefits so you can choose the right recipe for you.
• Generous 401(k) plan with annual company match.
• Flexible schedules so you can balance your work life priorities.
• Learning and development opportunities with coaching.
• Safe and clean working environment.
• Vehicle Allowance

Welch's believes diversity makes good business sense and we take pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Protected Veteran