Vineyard Manager / Viticulturist —

Posted: December 10, 2020

An immediate opening exists for an experienced viticulturist/vineyard manager to oversee our 70+ acre vineyard located in the heart of the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia. For 20 years, we’ve specialized in crafting the highest quality sparkling wines thanks to our unique maritime terroir near the Bay of Fundy. Our prolonged growing season permits an extended ripening process that enables the grapes to achieve full phenological maturity, critical to the texture and complexity of these sparkling wines.

Benjamin Bridge seeks a candidate with 7-10 years’ practice in cool-climate vineyard management, ideally with organics and biodiversity experience, and a passion for regenerative agriculture. You will be responsible for an annual vineyard operation plan, vineyard record keeping, hiring your workforce, frost protection management, budgeting and capital asset requests. You will also provide guidance to Benjamin Bridge’s grape growers located in the Annapolis Valley. You will be part of our passionate and dynamic senior management team.

Requirements:

• Formal education and training in viticulture
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of farm equipment
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, including excellent communication skills – verbal and written

Compensation

• Benjamin Bridge offers a competitive compensation and benefits package based on experience and knowledge. Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, work permit or other Canadian immigration status is required allowing the candidate to be employed in the position. A relocation budget will be provided.

 

Field Manager —

Posted: December 10, 2020

An opening exists for a Vineyard Field Manager to work within our 70+ acre vineyard located in the heart of the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia. For 20 years, we have specialized in crafting the highest quality sparkling wines thanks to our unique maritime terroir near the Bay of Fundy. Our prolonged growing season permits an extended ripening process that enables the grapes to achieve full phenological maturity, critical to the texture and complexity of these sparkling wines.

Benjamin Bridge is currently recruiting a detail oriented, organized individual to fill the seasonal, full time position of Vineyard Field Manager. The successful candidate will be someone with viticulture education and experience with an ability to lead and work alongside a team of vineyard workers who care for the vines and grapes. You will report to the Vineyard Manager.
The primary responsibility of the Field Manager is to coordinate and ensure efficiency of the vineyard workforce, work alongside the workforce, and fulfill a quality assurance role to ensure the highest quality fruit.   

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:  

• Work closely with the Vineyard Manager 
• Work alongside and lead a team of workers who care for the vines and grapes
• Safe and effective operation of vineyard equipment, vehicles and implements

Job Requirements

• Viticulture education, experience, and training
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of farm equipment
• Ability to supervise a team
• Demonstrate effective communication skills – verbal and written
• Working knowledge of Word/Excel

Compensation

• Starting wage is $15 per hour, increasing with experience and training

Tractor Operator & Equipment Maintenance —

Posted: December 10, 2020

An opening exists for a Tractor Operator & Equipment Maintenance to work within our 70+ acre vineyard located in the heart of the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia. For 20 years, we have specialized in crafting the highest quality sparkling wines thanks to our unique maritime terroir near the Bay of Fundy. Our prolonged growing season permits an extended ripening process that enables the grapes to achieve full phenological maturity, critical to the texture and complexity of these sparkling wines. This will be a seasonal full-time vineyard position.

Job Description:

Operating a tractor safely and as required. This may include but is not limited to:

• Mowing
• Weeding
• Spreading Compost/Fertilizer
• Organic Spray Application
• Pre-pruning, de-leafing, tip pruning
• Maintenance and cleaning of equipment
• Assist with manual farm jobs as required (pruning, tying, tucking, weeding, harvesting etc.)
• Help with the coordination and execution of harvest
• Working Conditions:
• Fast-paced team environment
• Repetitive tasks
• Physically demanding
• Sitting for long periods
• Walking long distances
• Standing, bending, crouching for extended periods
• Outdoors in all types of weather (hot, cold, wet, snow, etc)

Job Requirements:

• Tractor and equipment experience
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with clean abstract
• Able to work outside
• Able to work up to 12 hours per shift during busy season
• Able to lift at least 50 lbs

Compensation

• Starting wage is $16 per hour, increasing with experience and training