Vineyard Manager; SRA

Under general supervision, the incumbent will serve as the lead for vineyard research operations within the grape breeding program and is responsible for the scientific and operational oversight of field experiments, advanced breeding selections, and germplasm collections. The incumbent independently plans, executes, and evaluates vineyard-based research activities and contributes original ideas to experimental implementation and refinement. The role ensures that vineyard operations are executed in alignment with academic research objectives, experimental designs, and funding commitments.

On an ongoing and annual basis, the position plans, coordinates, and oversees the establishment and maintenance of vineyard trials, supports multi-year breeding and research projects, and leads large-scale data collection efforts essential to the program’s research output. The position collaborates with the academic supervisor to translate research objectives into field protocols and procedures and may adapt or refine operational approaches to improve data quality, efficiency, and experimental reliability without changing the overall research direction.

The position works closely with the PI and interdisciplinary research teams to support sampling, evaluations, and experimental activities tied to breeding, genomics, and applied research initiatives. The position develops, standardizes, and documents vineyard research techniques and protocols (SOPs) and trains staff and students in their consistent application. The position provides day-to-day technical direction and oversight of student employees, temporary staff, and junior research personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and timely completion of vineyard activities.

The position is accountable for maintaining research continuity, data quality, and experimental integrity across vineyard operations, as well as for preparing technical summaries and reports that support internal decision‑making and external reporting requirements.

Apply By Date:
March 17, 2026 at 11:59pm

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, Viticulture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in agricultural research, agronomy, viticulture, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in field‑based experiments, data collection, and research trial execution.
• Advanced knowledge of agricultural research principles, including experimental design, field trial implementation, and data collection methodologies. Demonstrated skills in coordinating and vineyard operations to ensure accurate execution of research protocols and timelines.
• Ability to apply agronomic principles related to soil fertility, irrigation, and plant performance in field‑based research settings. Ability to collect, organize, and summarize research data with attention to accuracy, consistency, and scientific rigor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare technical summaries and reports. Ability to collaborate effectively with research teams and supervisors.

• Graduate‑level or doctoral‑level coursework or advanced training in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, Viticulture, or a related discipline.
• Experience supervising vineyards and/or field research operations. Specifically, the coordination of personnel and multi‑site or multi‑year trials.
• Experience working with grapevines, perennial cropping systems, or breeding and germplasm evaluation programs.
• Experience preparing technical reports, summaries, or documentation for research programs, funding agencies, or industry stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while coordinating effectively across interdisciplinary research teams.

• 90% - Vineyard Operations
• 10% - Research Coordination And Data Support

The Department of Viticulture and Enology supports research, teaching, and extension…