Vineyard Manager
Full Time • Voorhees
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
Saddlehill is seeking a dedicated, hands-on Vineyard Manager to maintain our premier 70-acre estate. Located just 12 miles from Center City Philadelphia on the historic site of Stafford Farm (est. 1773), Saddlehill is the closest vineyard winery Center City Philadelhia
This role is focused on the technical excellence of our 27 acres of vineyards and the surrounding agricultural grounds. You will work in close daily collaboration with our Director of Agriculture & Property Management to execute the seasonal farm plan and maintain the high aesthetic and production standards of our "Seed to Glass" mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Viticultural Execution: Manage all primary vineyard functions including pruning, canopy management, and harvest logistics for 27 acres of estate vines.
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Collaboration & Reporting: Work alongside and report directly to the Director of Agriculture & Property Management to ensure all farm operations align with the estate's strategic goals and timeline.
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Precision Spraying: Responsible for the calibration and application of all vineyard treatments. Must already possess a valid New Jersey Private Pesticide Applicator License.
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Equipment Operation: Act as the primary operator for specialized mechanized equipment, ensuring all machinery is operated safely and maintained in peak condition.
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Estate Grounds Care: Assist in the management of the broader estate, including the care of 600 fruit trees, vegetable crops, and general farm infrastructure to ensure a "guest-ready" appearance at all times.
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Quality Monitoring: Conduct regular field scouting to monitor vine health, pest pressure, and grape maturity, reporting findings and proposing solutions to the Director.
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Agritourism Support: Support the estate’s educational mission by ensuring the vineyards are meticulously maintained for guest visibility and occasionally leading technical "Seed to Glass" tours.
Position Requirements
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Licensing: Required: Current and valid New Jersey Private Pesticide Applicator License.
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
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Experience: Minimum of five years of hands-on experience in vineyard management.
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Technical Aptitude: Strong mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and a deep understanding of New Jersey viticultural challenges.
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Physical Requirements: Ability to walk steep and inclining vineyard rows in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
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Communication: Strong interpersonal skills; bilingual English/Spanish capability is a significant advantage.
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Schedule: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends during peak harvest or spray windows.
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Compensation: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
One of the region’s most popular food and wine destinations!
Bill Green, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and author, purchased the historic Stafford Farm in Voorhees, NJ, in March of 2021. After 15 years of being an eyesore and a blight property, Green has transformed the 69.8 state agriculturally preserved farm into a 27-acre vineyard with a 15,000-case capacity, state-of-the art winery, and a 7,000-sq ft tasting room and farm-to-table wine-pairing bistro.
The tasting room’s farm-to-table wine-pairing bistro is open for lunch and dinner, serving delicious menu items made primarily with farm-produced ingredients . In addition to selling its estate-crafted wines in the retail shop, as well as through its wine club, there will be offerings of foods from ingredients grown on the farm, in the fruit orchard, and on the vegetable fields, such as jams, sauces, spreads, and honey.
Following the agritourism business model, Saddlehill offers vineyard, winery, and farm tours, on-site entertainment, educational events, as well offering the venue for special occasion events to support its wine and farm grown product sales.
Apply here.
