Position Details
Organization: Rosemary Manor
Title: Vineyard, Cellar, Lab, Winemaking Help
Internship, Season/Harvest, Part-Time
Paid position? $18
Start Date:
End Date:
Work Location: Post Falls Idaho
On-Site
Job Description
Vineyard Research, Winery Operations Intern
Rosemary Manor (Vineyard & Winery) is seeking a motivated student to participate in the development and management of experimental vineyards in Post Falls, Idaho.
Our long-term goal is to establish a successful source of high-quality wine grapes grown in North Idaho. Our current vineyards are primarily test and research vineyards, where we are evaluating different grape varieties and growing practices to determine which vines can successfully survive North Idaho’s climate, reach maturity, and produce fruit suitable for quality wine production.
While we develop our North Idaho vineyards, we currently source grapes from the Yakima Valley in Washington to produce our wines. This allows our winery to remain actively involved in wine production while we research and develop grape-growing practices that may eventually allow us to produce a greater portion of our own fruit locally.
The intern will have the opportunity to participate in both sides of this process: commercial wine production using established Washington-grown fruit and the ongoing research and development of North Idaho-grown wine grapes.
The intern will work closely with the vineyard owner and will be involved in observing, documenting, and evaluating vine performance throughout the growing season.
Responsibilities may include:
- Monitoring individual grape varieties for winter survival, vigor, growth, fruit production, and maturity.
- Assisting with pruning, vine training, canopy management, and crop management.
- Monitoring irrigation and soil conditions.
- Scouting for insects, disease, and environmental damage.
- Collecting and maintaining detailed data on individual vines and varieties.
- Monitoring fruit development and collecting Brix, pH, and other maturity measurements.
- Evaluating which grape varieties show the greatest potential for North Idaho.
- Assisting with experimental vineyard trials and developing recommendations for future plantings.
- Maintaining trellis, irrigation, and vineyard equipment.
- Assisting with harvest and evaluating fruit quality.
- Participating in winery operations including processing, fermentation, sanitation, bottling, labeling, and inventory.
- Working with Yakima Valley-sourced grapes during commercial wine production.
- Maintaining accurate vineyard and winery records.
- Developing an independent research or vineyard-management project based on the ongoing trials, when appropriate.
The intern will have an opportunity to contribute observations, data, and ideas to an ongoing project that could help shape the future of our vineyard and potentially contribute to the development of North Idaho viticulture.
Preferred Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in viticulture, horticulture, agriculture, plant science, enology, agricultural science, or a related field.
- Strong interest in viticulture, agricultural research, or the wine industry.
- Curiosity and willingness to investigate problems rather than simply perform assigned tasks.
- Comfortable working outdoors and performing physical work in varying weather conditions.
- Dependable, self-motivated, and willing to learn.
- Strong observation and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and collect scientific/production data.
- Ability to work independently after training.
- Basic computer skills, including Excel or similar data-management software, preferred.
- Previous vineyard or agricultural experience is helpful but not required.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
- Willingness to learn safe operation of vineyard equipment and tools.
- Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
- Able to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders, etc.
- Able to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather and temperatures
- Available to work long hours and weekends as necessary
Application Instructions
Send a resume and cover letter to Keelan@rosemarymanor.com
Employer Contact Info
Keelan Dickson
Keelan@rosemarymanor.com
(208) 262-1544