When people think of Welch’s, they think of our great tasting juice and jelly and a trusted, iconic brand. People also think we are a big company. We’re not. We’re a co-operative, owned by the family farmers who grow our delicious and nutritious grapes. Our work allows our farmers to maintain an agricultural way of life, send their children to college, and hand their farm down to the next generation as was done for almost 150 years.
At Welch’s you’ll find people who are genuine and talented, and a collaborative community. We think like farmers – we’re agile, we’re resilient, and we’re passionate about our grapes and our brand. We’re real and honest people with a shared purpose. And we’re building a team that’s playing to win and daring to try new things.
POSITION
We’re looking for a Viticulture Specialist who will implement new technologies that will enable National patrons to achieve production levels essential to maintaining profitability. This person will have overall responsibility for improving individual patron and area yields through the implementation of an effective communications program. They will also manage the orderly and equitable delivery of members’ grapes at our manufacturing facility in Grandview, Washington.
For more information on this position, please contact Mike Concienne at: mconcienne@welchs.com
What You’ll Do:
You will be responsible for:
- Assisting the Regional Manager/Sr. Business Partner in developing and evaluating research proposals specific to addressing technological needs of patrons. Maintains close, effective working relationships with researchers, extension personnel and crop consultants in assigned areas.
- Develop and implement specific action plans that will enable patrons to reach mutually agreed-upon production and quality goals.
- Responsible for pre-harvest and harvest activites at Grandview. Manage the orderly and equitable delivery of member’s grapes, operating within the scope of National policies and procedures, working closely with plant management.
- Develop and Manage the Harvest Schedule and manage Scale House and Inspection activities prior to and during the Harvest season.
- Execute and process member records and marketing agreement changes.
- Assist in collecting, evaluating and determining accurate and timely crop forecast.
- Visit growers on frequent basis fostering positive member relations with grower/owners.
You will be expected to:
- Assist in grower meetings providing growers with business and crop updates.
- Equitable harvester scheduling for efficient plant operations. And managing the crop intake and grape quality at harvest. Fruit Receiving Supervisor role managing and supervising the inspection and scale house employees. Operating SPDC (harvest data)
- Collaborate with WSU and other viticulture professionals on research priorities and technologies that will benefit the grape juice industry now and in the future.
- Provide assistance to members with National’s Sustainability Program, A vital program designed for a future in agriculture.
Who You Are:
- Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with strong interpersonal skills to work closely with our Family Farmer growers and other cross functional team members in regards to meetings, day to day projects and developing schedules prior to Harvest season.
- Continuous improvement mindset with desire to spend time in professional development activities to improve skills essential to job performance. Self-motivated and results driven.
- Working knowledge of horticulture principles.
- Understanding of pesticide regulations and principles.
- Ability to work through challenging situations (harvest, grower conflicts, etc.)
- Demonstrated capability of Leading Self and Leading Others, assume leadership roles.
- Proficient communication skills both oral and written, comfortable giving presentations to large groups.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 – 5 years of experience in Viticulture/Agriculture strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or other related degree strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of general farming and common viticultural practices.
- Viticulture and/or agriculture experience.
- Excellent MS Office (Excel and PowerPoint) skills, experience with database applications is a plus.
What You’ll Enjoy:
- Collaborative colleagues working together to deliver results.
- Flexible work schedules
- Robust health benefits, and paid time off programs
- Generous 401k plan with annual company match
- Discounts on Welch’s products
- Working with grower/owners and being part of their success
- Vehicle Allowance
Welch’s believes diversity makes good business sense and we take pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Protected Veteran
