Vineyard Crew Member
O’Rourke Family Vineyards is a family-owned wine and hospitality group rooted in the Okanagan, bringing together premium vineyards, thoughtful wine production, and elevated guest experiences. With two distinct destination properties, the company spans both approachable and luxury expressions of wine tourism. Peak Cellars is a welcoming winery focused on expressive wines and warm hospitality, complemented by the Garden Bistro, where seasonal cuisine and vineyard surroundings create an inviting setting for guests. O’Rourke Family Estate represents the group’s flagship vision, combining ambitious architecture, estate-driven winemaking, and refined dining experiences that showcase the estate’s culinary and wine programs.
Across the portfolio, O’Rourke Family Vineyards is deeply involved in every stage of the process, from vineyard stewardship and farming decisions through to winemaking, blending, and bottling. The company also produces a diverse calendar of events and experiences that bring together wine, food, and community, supported by close collaboration across hospitality, culinary, production, and events teams. For prospective team members, O’Rourke Family Vineyards offers a dynamic, growth-oriented workplace that values craftsmanship, professionalism, teamwork, and pride in creating memorable experiences within one of Canada’s most exciting wine regions.
Company: O’Rourke Family Vineyards Ltd.
Location: Penticton, BC
Department: Vineyard
Reports to: Viticulturalist
Employment Type: Seasonal
Position Overview
The Vineyard Crew Member is responsible for carrying out day-to-day vineyard operations to support the production of high-quality wine grapes. This role performs a wide range of seasonal vineyard tasks including pruning, canopy management, irrigation maintenance, crop thinning, bird netting, and harvest. The position requires physical work outdoors in all weather conditions and plays an important role in maintaining vineyard health and fruit quality.
Key Responsibilities
Vineyard Operations
- Perform winter pruning, brush removal, and vine tying according to vineyard standards
- Conduct seasonal canopy management including bud rubbing, shoot thinning, wire lifting, shoot positioning/tucking, and leaf removal
- Perform cluster thinning and green harvest to ensure balanced yields and fruit quality
- Assist with training and establishing young vines
- Support vineyard planting and replanting projects
- Install and maintain trellis systems, posts, and vineyard infrastructure
- Assist with vineyard floor management including mowing and weed control
Irrigation and Vineyard Maintenance
- Monitor and maintain irrigation lines, emitters, and valves
- Assist with irrigation setup, adjustments, and seasonal shutdown
- Support frost protection activities when required
- Maintain vineyard cleanliness and organization
Spray and Pest Management Support
- Assist with vineyard spray programs under the direction of the supervisor
- Help prepare equipment and materials for spray operations
- Observe vines for signs of disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies and report concerns
Bird Control and Crop Protection
- Assist with installing and removing bird netting
- Support vineyard protection measures during ripening
Harvest Operations
- Participate in hand harvesting of grapes during vintage
- Assist with fruit transport and bin management
- Support vineyard logistics during harvest operations
Equipment and Safety
- Operate basic vineyard equipment and tools when trained (tractors, ATVs, hand tools)
- Follow all safety procedures and farm protocols
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and report mechanical issues
Qualifications
- Previous vineyard or agricultural experience preferred but not required
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work for extended periods
- Comfortable working in varying weather conditions
- Ability to follow direction and work as part of a team
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation
- Valid driver’s license is an asset
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods
- Comfortable working on uneven terrain and slopes
Work Environment
- Outdoor agricultural environment
- Early morning starts and variable hours depending on vineyard needs
- Extended hours during harvest season
Compensation
- Hourly wage $17.85 - $22.00 per hour
- Opportunities for skill development in viticulture
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for employment at O’Rourke Family Vineyards Ltd, you must hold a valid working visa for Canada. We do not provide offer letters to applicants seeking a work visa. Applicants must have their work visa in place before applying.
O'Rourke Family Vineyards adheres to employment equity and equal opportunity programs and encourages all candidates to apply. We would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Pay: $17.85-$22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
