Vineyard Associate

Job Description

Company Summary

We’re the producers, creators and marketers of beer, wine and spirts brands that people love. At Constellation Brands, we’re driven to push boundaries and think beyond today to deliver products and experiences that resonate now, tomorrow and well into the future. Because of this approach, we’re the fastest-growing large CPG company in the U.S. at retail, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Our premium portfolio of iconic brands like Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Kim Crawford, Robert Mondavi, Meiomi, The Prisoner, SVEDKA Vodka, High West Whiskey, and more drive industry-leading growth for us today. But we’re just getting started. Our ability to stay on the forefront of consumer trends has fueled our success since our founding in 1945 and will guide us in creating the next generation of products and experiences Worth Reaching For.

Rotational Development Program Overview

Are you looking for a program that offers on-the-job experience? Are you considering a future with Constellation, but would first like to gain a glimpse into the wine industry? The Rotational Development Program (RDP) is designed to help you advance your growth and develop invaluable insight into several functions within our Winery Operations division. Our goal is to prepare you for a future in Vineyard Operations by providing you with functional experiences that will enable you to learn, contribute, and integrate with our organization.

During this two-year program, you will perform relevant assignments in two, 12-month rotations within the functional departments of Grower Relations and Vineyard Operations. Each rotation provides a well-rounded exposure/experience that includes on-the-job and leadership responsibilities while learning more about the overall wine business. Included in the rotations will be assignments and/or projects within Winery Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, and Engineering. Also, you will be introduced to our Sales, Marketing, and Finance functions during the program. Read more below about what you can expect to learn and demonstrate in each rotation, starting with Grower Relations first.

Grower Relations Assistant

• Participate in key Grower Relations operations such as finding the right grapes, determining appropriate price and term, negotiating grape contracts, managing oversight of grower vineyards, making viticulture recommendations, reviewing pest and disease management issues, estimating crop size, and planning and scheduling harvest.

• Learn about the process of drafting and interpreting grape purchase contracts.

• Participate in grower and winery communications through grower/winery tastings, vineyard visits, grower events, and grower outreach programs.

• Learn about the Supply and Demand process: how we determine grape needs by brand and region, and the strategies used to fill those needs.

• Visit Grower Relations staff throughout the state to get an overview of the entire CA grape market.

• Work with Winemaking to ensure growers deliver appropriate quality fruit to meet winery/brand expectations.

• Gain an understanding and proficiency with our vineyard software to gather vineyard data, map vineyards, and maintain accurate vineyard history.

• Get a boots-on-the-ground introduction to some of the finest vineyards and growers in California

Vineyard Ops/ Viticulture Technician

• Learn key operations such as pruning, canopy management, pest and disease management (including spray programs), irrigation principals, quality measurements, and staff supervision

• Understand vineyard management activities including capital planning, budget planning, project management, and tracking

• Learn and support Constellation’s Environmental Health & Safety policies and procedures and how these relate to viticulture

• Support implementation of best practices and refine existing processes through application of Continuous Improvement principles

• Support harvest planning, grape sampling, scheduling, and picking and delivery

• Visit our estate vineyard operations throughout California to gain an understanding of variations in growing standards and farming practices

In Addition

• During the two rotations, time will be allotted to work in one or more of our wineries in the following areas: cellar operations, lab/enology, wine blending, bottling process, and harvest.

• Also, projects/assignments will be arranged with Environmental Health & Safety and our Engineering departments.

• Exposure to sales, marketing and finance

Minimum Qualifications:

• Recent Bachelor’s degree in Enology or Viticulture or Wine/Ag Business or related field (e.g., horticulture, plant science, etc.)

• Robust time management, organization, and project management skills

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines

• Creativity and strategic thinking skills

• Effective communication skills

• Solid proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook

• Geographic flexibility within California (for post-program placement)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Harvest experience

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• Demonstrated teamwork experience

• Enjoys working outdoors

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able stand for long periods of time to walk around vineyards (80% of time). Must be able to sit for long periods of time for computer work as needed. Lifting may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work Environment:

  • Works outdoors/indoors

  • Works in warm/cold climates

  • Works in high places

  • Works on wet surfaces

  • Is exposed to loud noise, fumes and/or toxic chemicals

  • Works near moving, mechanical parts and lift truck traffic

  • Must be able to move up to 55 pounds

  • Primary assignment environment may be in vineyard and/or winery facilities

Location

Additional Locations

Job Type

Job Area

The salary range for this role is:

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, the prevailing minimum wage for the location, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).