Alto Wine Estate is seeking a practical, hands-on and dependable Assistant Farm Manager to support the planning, coordination and supervision of vineyard and general farm operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Farm Manager to achieve production targets, maintain high grape-quality standards, optimise labour and resources, and ensure safe, compliant and efficient day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with planning, coordinating and supervising all vineyard and general farm operations.
- Monitor vineyard activities including planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilisation, spraying, canopy management, harvesting and post-harvest work.
- Allocate daily work and supervise permanent, seasonal and contractor teams to achieve productivity, quality and timing requirements.
- Monitor vineyard conditions and respond promptly to irrigation, pest, disease, weather and crop-quality risks.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, environmental, food-safety and chemical-handling requirements, as well as company policies and relevant agricultural standards.
- Monitor irrigation systems, machinery, equipment and farm infrastructure; report maintenance needs and coordinate repairs to minimise downtime.
- Assist with stock control and procurement of fertilisers, chemicals, fuel, packaging materials, equipment and other farming inputs.
- Maintain accurate records, including spray programmes, irrigation schedules, labour attendance, harvest yields, stock movements and production reports.
- Support quality-management processes to ensure grapes meet winery specifications and production standards.
- Assist with cost control by managing labour efficiently, protecting assets and reducing waste of farm inputs and resources.
- Provide on-the-job guidance and training, reinforce work standards and escalate performance or disciplinary matters appropriately.
- Act on behalf of the Farm Manager when required to ensure continuity of operations and sound day-to-day decision-making.
Minimum Requirements
- A diploma or degree in Agriculture, Viticulture, Farm Management or a related field.
- Two to five years’ relevant experience in vineyard or agricultural operations.
- Demonstrated experience supervising farm workers and coordinating daily agricultural activities.
- Sound working knowledge of viticulture practices, irrigation systems, crop-protection programmes, machinery and farm administration.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and relevant farm-management or recordkeeping systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and Afrikaans.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications
- Experience in premium wine-grape production and harvest operations.
- Experience with irrigation management and mechanised farming operations.
- Knowledge of agricultural quality, environmental and safety standards.
- Pesticide application certification or recognised agricultural safety training.
Key Competencies
- Hands-on leadership and effective people supervision.
- Strong planning, organising and prioritisation skills.
- Practical problem-solving and sound operational judgement.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Accountability, reliability and a strong work ethic.
- Adaptability under changing weather conditions and seasonal pressure.
- Clear communication and constructive teamwork.
- Cost awareness and responsible use of resources.
Working Environment
The role is field-based and driven by seasonal agricultural cycles, daily production targets, irrigation programmes and harvest schedules. The successful candidate must be comfortable working outdoors, managing multiple priorities and responding to operational interruptions such as changing weather, machinery breakdowns, labour constraints and urgent vineyard requirements. Extended or flexible working hours may be required during peak periods.
Why Join Alto Wine Estate?
This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the quality and success of an established Stellenbosch wine estate, while developing broader farm-management experience in a professional, quality-driven environment.
Apply online - Assistant Farm Manager - Stellenbosch, Western Cape - Indeed.com