Viticulture Specialist

Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. is Nova Scotia’s development agency focusing on the food sector. Our mission is supporting growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood, cannabis, and food and beverage sectors.

If locating to a province known for its scenic maritime beauty, welcoming communities and an impressive wine industry may interest you, this may be your career opportunity.

Perennia is looking for a highly capable Viticulture Specialist to grow the wine-grape industry in Nova Scotia. As a key member of our team, you will provide specialized production advice and expert guidance to wine-grape growers across the province.

The Viticulturist is a high-profile position and as such, must have sound and mature judgement. They must be able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders and clients under mínimal supervision. Using current knowledge in a wide range of production areas (grape growing, technological innovations, outreach methods, pest management, cool climate varietals, and emerging trends), the goal of the Viticulturist is to work with industry to grow the wine-grape industry in Nova Scotia to the economic benefit of the province.

**Principal Responsibilities**:

- Work as part of a progressive and professional horticulture team with the primary focus to develop and lead a comprehensive extension program for wine-grape producers that will help the Nova Scotia wine industry improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and create new opportunities
- Respond to agriculture production inquiries (in-person and remotely)
- Transfer new technologies and management practices to industry via presentations and field days
- Develop production specific information for a producer audience including, fact sheets, blog posts, videos, webinars, etc.
- Participate in and/or lead research field trials identified as priorities by industry
- Act as an advisor to government and industry associations
- Represent Perennia on industry associations, provincial and national working groups and committees as needed
- Identify new research or opportunities for horticulture that, if advanced, would have a positive impact on sector sustainability and/or growth

**In order to excel at this position, the successful applicant will have**:

- Bachelor’s degree/ M.Sc. in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Viticulture
- Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.) designation (mandatory)
- Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and/or Certified Nutrient Management Planner (CNMP) designation(s) would be an asset
- Minimum of five years experience in the horticulture industry with direct experience in viticulture extension, knowledge transfer and applied research
- Experience and training in oenology
- Knowledge of soils, drainage, nutrient management, insects, wildlife pests, weed management, trellising, canopy management, and crop harvesting and handling
- Experience in technology-based knowledge transfer to the agriculture industry would be an asset with demonstrated experience or aptitude in blogs, videos, podcasts and/or webinars
- Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
- Experience in innovative value addition and new product development considered an asset
- Good observational and diagnostics skills
- The ability to develop successful relationships with colleagues, producers, industry associations and government is essential
- Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication, facilitation, time management and computer skills
- Experience in project management would be an asset

For more information or to learn about Perennia visit perennia.ca
- Perennia is an equal opportunity employer_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Kentville, NS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kentville, NS

Application deadline: 2023-03-01