Vineyard Worker Position at Church & State Wines – Join Our Team in Beautiful Oliver, British Columbia
Visa Note
This employer welcomes international candidates and is open to hiring individuals from around the world. However, all applicants must confirm their visa and work permit eligibility directly with the employer before employment can be offered. Church & State Wines is committed to building a diverse workforce and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their country of origin.
About Church & State Wines
Church & State Wines is a prestigious winery located in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country. We are dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of our region. Our vineyards are meticulously cared for by our dedicated team of agricultural professionals who share our passion for quality viticulture. Join us in our mission to create world-class wines while experiencing the beauty of Canadian wine country.
Job Overview
We are seeking motivated and hardworking Vineyard Workers to join our team for the upcoming growing season. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in viticulture while working in one of Canada’s most beautiful wine regions. The position involves various vineyard management tasks throughout the growing season, from pruning and canopy management to harvest.
Location and Benefits of Living in Oliver, BC
Oliver, British Columbia is situated in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, known for its stunning landscapes, warm climate, and thriving wine industry. The town offers a welcoming community atmosphere with affordable housing compared to many other Canadian cities. With over 200 wineries in the region, Oliver provides numerous opportunities for those interested in the wine industry. The area also boasts excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, water sports, and winter activities in nearby mountains.
Job Responsibilities
As a Vineyard Worker at Church & State Wines, you will be involved in various essential vineyard operations throughout the growing season. Your primary responsibilities will include cutting agricultural crops, maintaining and managing the growth of vines, vine canopy, and grapes. Weeding tasks will be assigned as needed to ensure optimal vine health. During harvest season, you will participate in the careful picking and processing of grapes to ensure quality standards are met.
Daily Vineyard Management
Your daily tasks will involve monitoring vine health, implementing pest management strategies, and ensuring proper irrigation practices. You will work closely with our vineyard management team to implement best practices in sustainable viticulture. Attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions are essential for maintaining the high quality standards our winery is known for.
Harvest Operations
The harvest season is a critical time in our vineyard operations. As a Vineyard Worker, you will participate in selective harvesting of grapes at optimal maturity. This involves careful hand-picking techniques, sorting of fruit, and transportation of grapes to the winery. Harvest typically occurs in early morning hours to take advantage of cooler temperatures and preserve grape quality.
Qualifications and Requirements
Previous experience with grapes or general agricultural work is preferred, but not required. We are willing to train motivated individuals who are eager to learn about viticulture. The ideal candidate should be physically fit and capable of performing manual labor in various weather conditions. Basic knowledge of farming practices and a willingness to work outdoors are essential.
Physical Requirements
This position requires excellent physical stamina as you will be on your feet for extended periods, often performing repetitive tasks. You must be able to lift heavy objects, operate basic farm equipment, and work in various weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain. Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important for tasks like pruning and harvesting.
Salary and Compensation
Church & State Wines offers competitive compensation of $17.85 per hour for all Vineyard Workers. This rate reflects the skilled nature of vineyard work and our commitment to fair wages. While specific benefits are not detailed in this posting, seasonal employees may have access to certain workplace benefits depending on hours worked and provincial regulations.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. While the exact daily schedule may vary depending on seasonal needs and weather conditions, typical work hours are from early morning to late afternoon. Some weekend work may be required during peak periods such as harvest. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities for success in this role.
Employment Terms
This is a seasonal employment position with full-time hours. The position follows the standard agricultural work calendar, with intensive work periods during key growing season activities. Employment is subject to weather conditions and vineyard needs, which may require some flexibility in scheduling. The position offers valuable experience in all aspects of vineyard management.
Start Date
The Vineyard Worker position is scheduled to commence on March 6, 2026. This start date aligns with early spring vineyard preparation activities, including pruning and trellis repair. Early season work is crucial for establishing healthy vine growth and ensuring optimal grape production for the upcoming harvest season.
Available Positions
Church & State Wines is currently accepting applications for six (6) Vineyard Worker positions. We are seeking individuals who are committed to quality work and interested in building a career in viticulture. Multiple positions allow us to create a diverse team with various skills and experiences, contributing to our overall vineyard management approach.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada. Additionally, we welcome applications from international candidates, including those with or without valid Canadian work permits. All international applicants must confirm their eligibility to work in Canada with the employer before an offer can be extended.
Immigrant Considerations
We understand that moving to a new country presents unique challenges. Church & State Wines is committed to supporting immigrant employees in their transition to life in Canada and the Okanagan Valley. While we cannot provide direct immigration assistance, we can offer information about community resources and connect you with local immigrant services that may be helpful during your relocation process.
How to Apply
To apply for the Vineyard Worker position at Church & State Wines, please submit your application through the appropriate channels as specified by our recruitment team. Include a brief resume highlighting any relevant agricultural experience, along with a cover letter expressing your interest in vineyard work and why you believe you would be a good fit for our team. Be sure to indicate your current status regarding Canadian work authorization if applicable.
Life in Oliver, BC
Oliver offers an exceptional quality of life with a mild climate, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and a strong sense of community. The town has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a growing arts and culture scene. With its proximity to lakes, mountains, and numerous wineries, Oliver provides an ideal lifestyle for those who appreciate both nature and the finer things in life.
Immigration Information
For international candidates, it’s important to research Canadian immigration pathways before applying. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program and various Provincial Nominee Programs may be relevant depending on your country of origin and circumstances. We recommend consulting with Canadian immigration consultants or legal professionals to understand your options for working in Canada.
Work Permit Process
If you require a Canadian work permit, you will typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer like Church & State Wines as part of your application. The employer may need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or qualify for an exemption. Our recruitment team can provide guidance on this process, though we cannot guarantee approval of work permits.
Relocation Support
While we cannot provide direct financial assistance for relocation, Church & State Wines is committed to supporting our employees during their transition to life in Oliver. We can provide information about local housing options, community services, and cultural integration resources. Our team includes members who have experienced their own immigration journey and can offer practical advice about settling in the Okanagan Valley.
Career Growth Opportunities
Starting as a Vineyard Worker at Church & State Wines can be the beginning of a rewarding career in the wine industry. We value promoting from within and offer opportunities for advancement to supervisory positions or specialized viticulture roles. Many of our senior vineyard managers began their careers in entry-level positions and developed their expertise through hands-on experience and additional training.
Contact Information
For inquiries about the Vineyard Worker position, please contact our human resources department using the information provided through the Job Bank #3485703. We encourage all interested candidates to apply promptly as positions may be filled on a rolling basis. Due to the seasonal nature of this work, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to be considered for this opportunity.
Next Steps
If you are interested in joining our team at Church & State Wines, please prepare your application materials and submit them as directed. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and potentially welcoming you to our vineyard team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in Canadian viticulture while living in one of the country’s most beautiful and welcoming communities.