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Field maintenance ? chanela farms

Job Description
Category: Maintenance

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Vineyard Manager or Farm Operations Supervisor

Job Description

The Field Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing all viticulture-related field work to maintain healthy grapevines and optimal vineyard conditions. This role includes comprehensive vineyard operations, landscaping and grounds maintenance, and drip irrigation system upkeep. The position involves physically demanding outdoor labor in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, and requires the ability to lift more than 50 lbs regularly. This is a hands-on, full-time role essential to supporting grape quality, vineyard productivity, and overall property aesthetics.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Basic Life Insurance (included with the dental plan)
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Combo plan covering accidents, hospitalizations, and critical illnesses
• Paid time off
• Voluntary life insurance
• Eligibility to participate in a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match (after 6 months of successful employment)

Location

In-person in St. George, UT, 84790: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).

Responsibilities

Viticulture Field Work

• Perform all aspects of vine maintenance according to the growing cycle, including winter pruning, tying, suckering, thinning, leafing (leaf removal), canopy management, and shoot positioning.
• Plant, replant, and train new vines; install and repair trellis systems, wires, and supports.
• Monitor vine health, growth, and development; inspect for pests, diseases, fungi, nutrient deficiencies, or other issues and report findings.
• Apply fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides, and herbicides as directed (following safety protocols and regulations).
• Conduct fruit thinning, cluster management, and harvest activities (hand-picking grapes during harvest season).
• Manage cover crops, including planting, mowing, and incorporation into soil.
• Assist with erosion control measures, such as maintaining berms, cover crops, or other soil conservation practices.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment (e.g., tractors, mowers, sprayers, pruners) safely and efficiently.
• Record daily operations, observations, and maintenance activities accurately.
• Participate in soil and tissue sampling, pruning weight measurements, and other data collection for vineyard management.

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain vineyard floors and surrounding grounds: mow between rows, edge, weed, mulch, and manage vegetation to reduce competition with vines and improve aesthetics.
• Trim, prune, and care for hedges, shrubs, ornamental plantings, flowerbeds, and trees on the property.
• Perform general property maintenance, including removing debris, dead plants, or unwanted growth; aerating, fertilizing, and watering landscapes as needed.
• Install or maintain pathways, fences, or other infrastructure elements.
• Support seasonal landscaping tasks such as seasonal planting, mulching, deadheading flowers, and overall site cleanliness.

Drip Irrigation Maintenance

• Inspect, maintain, and repair drip irrigation systems, including emitters, laterals, filters, valves, pumps, and pressure regulators.
• Flush irrigation lines regularly to prevent clogs from silt, algae, bacteria, or mineral buildup; treat systems with appropriate agents as needed.
• Monitor system performance (flow rates, pressure, uniformity); check for leaks, damage, or faulty emitters and perform repairs promptly.
• Clean or replace filters and ensure proper filtration for water sources.
• Assist with irrigation scheduling based on vine needs, soil moisture monitoring, and weather conditions.
• Perform routine system evaluations and annual performance assessments.

Skills / Experience

• Previous experience in viticulture, farming, landscaping, or irrigation maintenance preferred (entry-level candidates with strong work ethic and physical capability will be considered).
• Basic knowledge of plant care, vines, pests, and irrigation systems is a plus.
• Assist with irrigation scheduling based on vine needs, soil moisture monitoring, and weather conditions.
• Perform routine system evaluations and annual performance assessments.
• Work safely with hand tools, power tools, and machinery; maintain and clean equipment after use.
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collaborate with team members during peak periods and assist in other farm tasks as assigned.
• Adapt to seasonal demands, which may include extended hours and weekend work.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in English (or primary language of the workplace).
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required.
• Willingness to obtain necessary certifications (e.g., pesticide applicator) if needed.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision during routine tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat (and other weather conditions) for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling more than 80 lbs on a regular, repetitive basis.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, standing, reaching, and use of hands/arms for prolonged periods.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for detailed tasks like pruning and repairs.
• Must have the stamina for physically demanding labor throughout full shifts.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions required for this position. Duties and/or responsibilities may be subject to revision to meet business needs.

Core Values

• Service ? Personalized, warm, and consistent exceptional customer service.
• Value ? Committed to deliver quality products for affordable prices.
• Growth ? Promote personal development and professional growth for all team members.
• Family ? Foster a family-like environment with guests and team members alike.
• Passion ? Work with passion and enthusiasm every day.