VINEYARD SUMMER STUDENT (2024)
Job Description
Reporting to: Owners Anne and Marc Alton
About Alton Farms Estate Winery
Alton Farms Estate Winery is the pioneer estate winery and vineyard in Ontario’s emerging wine region, Huron Shores. Established in 2005, Alton Farms Estate Winery has seven acres of vineyard. We use sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery, and hand craft all our wines onsite. We provide a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Job Summary
The vineyard summer student is responsible for pruning, un-hilling, weeding, cultivating, netting and other maintenance duties in the vineyard as needed. The vineyard summer student may be asked to work on ground maintenance or in the winery/patio/events, if additional assistance is required.
You are well organized, a self-starter, able to prioritize tasks, and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. You are comfortable working independently or as a contributing partner to a larger team. You are adaptable and flexible to changing needs and priorities.
The vineyard summer student role is a full-time summer position, starting in early May 2023 until the end of August 2023. This role will work predominately outside. During the heat of the summer, this role tends to start earlier in the morning.
Essential Functions
- Pruning, un-hilling, weeding, cultivating, and netting crops
- Conduct daily inspections on vehicles, tools and equipment; advise Vineyard and Ground Maintenance Manager if any maintenance is required
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times
- Comply with all farm policies and regulations
- Work in accordance with all local health and safety laws and regulations
- Perform other duties as directed by Owners Anne and Marc Alton
- Work on patio/events as needed, selling wines, promoting the winery and educating consumers about our winery and products
- Work in winery as directed, for example in bottling.
- Monitor customers to maintain Smart Serve requirements
Experience and Qualifications
- Co-op placement, or Non Co-op student, working towards a bachelor’s degree or college diploma in wine, oenology and viticulture, or agriculture preferred, but not required
- Capable of operating required equipment and tools in a safe and responsible manner
- Ability to work both independently with little supervision and as part of a team
- Ability to walk, stand, and crouch for long periods of time
- Enjoy working outdoors
- Driver’s license and own vehicle
- Ontario Smart Serve certified