Vineyard Assistant / Crop Technician (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Abingworth Vineyard

  Thakeham, West Sussex, England

About Us

Abingworth Vineyard is a wine producer nestled at the foot of the South Downs in the historic village of Thakeham, West Sussex. This family-run vineyard aspires to create award-winning English wines. A sense of fun, quality visitor experience and bringing value to the local community are core to our business.

The vineyard was planted in May 2022 and is just over 9 hectares. With an aim to produce still and sparkling wine, the planted vines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabaret Noir and Chardonnay.

Abingworth Vineyard is a young venture currently focused on establishing the vines and planning for the first vintage in 2024. Additional plans also include a purpose-built modern winery that will be built on site. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an expanding English vineyard in an exciting and growing sector.

Responsibilities

·       Tractor driving (experience preferred)

·       Tractor operations: mowing, cultivating, spraying and mulching

·       Organisation of our machinery and equipment

·       Vineyard trellis repairs/maintenance, strimming work and general estate maintenance

·       Vineyard Work: pruning, tying down, bud rub, canopy management, disease/pest monitoring

·       Assist the Vineyard manager to supervise and work with vineyard operatives and contractors during all vineyard activities

·       Harvest: tractor and trailer work, supervising extra staff or Volunteers

·       Some evening/night work will be required if there is a frost season in spring and at harvest time in the autumn.

·       Opportunity to work in the winery operations

About You

·       Strong verbal and written communication skills

·       Positive attitude and a strong work ethic

·       Passionate and detail orientated individual who is keen to join a small growing team

·       Cross functional skills with emphasis on machinery and grounds equipment

·       Previous agricultural experience related to producing and harvesting seasonal crop 

·       Competent tractor and machinery operator

·       Willingness to undertake other relevant tasks to support the business as required

·       Able to perform strenuous manual labour and work in varied weather conditions

·       All relevant PA1-3 spray qualifications desired but not essential

·       Full driving licence

·       Ability to use a computer if required

Benefits

 Whilst we are still growing as a business and defining several of our employee benefits, we currently offer the following:

·       30 days annual leave (+ bank holidays) scheduled around the growing season

·       Pension scheme: 5% employer 5% employee

·       Enhanced parental leave

·       Learning and development opportunities

Next Steps

Excited at the opportunity to join a growing English vineyard? If you would like to join our growing team, then please send a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter to [email protected]

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Salary information for the role will be shared prior to any interviews.

Negotiable depending on experience

---