Viticulturist [Perennia Food And Agriculture Corporation]

Perennia is looking for a Viticulturist to work with Nova Scotia's amazing growers and winemakers. As a key member of our team, you will provide specialized production advice and expert guidance to wine and grape growers across the province. If you are a budding viticulturist with the goal of being part of developing our impressive wine region, we are also offering a unique opportunity to be mentored by a one of Canada's leading viticulture specialists.

Nova Scotia is a thriving wine region and home of the Tidal Bay appellation, a one-of-a-kind for North America. Helping Nova Scotia's wine-grape industry continue to grow by being part of an interdisciplinary team at Perennia is a unique opportunity for a professional who wants to make a huge impact and be part of the next chapter in building Nova Scotia's legacy for innovative and award winning wines (winesofnovascotia.ca)

The Viticulturist is a high-profile position and will be instrumental in moving the industry forward as a globally-recognized wine region.

They must be able to work effectively with a variety of industry groups, government representatives and clients under minimal supervision. And, be skilled at imparting information and have current knowledge in a wide range of production areas including grape growing, technology innovations, pest management, cool climate varietals and emerging trends.

Responsibilities

• Respond to viticulture inquiries (in-person and remotely)
• Act as an advisor to government and industry associations
• Transfer new technologies and management practices to industry via presentations and field days
• Participate in and/or lead research and field trials identified as priorities by industry
• Represent Perennia on industry associations, provincial and national working groups as needed
• Develop production specific information for a producer audience including, fact sheets, blog posts, videos, webinars, etc.
• Work as part of a progressive and professional horticulture team with the primary focus to develop and lead a comprehensive extension program for wine and grape producers that will help the Nova Scotia wine industry improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and create new opportunities
• Identify new research or opportunities for viticulture that, if advanced, would have a positive impact on sector sustainability and/ or growth

Qualifications

• Aptitude and comfort using various media to share information including videos, podcasts and videos with the support of our professional IT and communications team
• Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designation or must be eligible to acquire based on educational standing noted above
• An interest and aptitude in sharing knowledge and skills to various producer levels with excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to develop successful relationships with colleagues, producers, industry associations and government is essential
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, time management and computer skills
• Experience in the horticulture or viticulture industry
• M.Sc. in viticulture or equivalency preferred; a B.Sc. with several years of direct experience in viticulture would be considered
• Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of soils, drainage, nutrient management, insects, wildlife pests, weed management, trellising, canopy management, and crop harvesting and handling
• Good observational and diagnostics skills

Are you interested?

Perennia offers an internationally competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and the unique needs of this position.

Perennia's team philosophy is founded on impact, engagement and ownership. A uniqueness of working at Perennia is the interdisciplinary team. As the province's viticulturist, you will have access daily to other specialists in soils, horticulture, plant pathology and agri-technology, as well as applied research technicians. We offer a flexible work environment realizing rich personal lives lead to productive and energized team members. We also are committed to making sure we are all constantly learning and growing and bringing new ideas and value to our sectors. We're a unique team and hope you want to be part of it.

To apply for this exciting new position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF cover letter noting compensation expectations to [email protected]. We are actively recruiting for this position and if you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Only those granted interviews will be contacted.

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer