The Opportunity
The Vineyard Tractor Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and timely operation of tractors and towed or mounted implements across the estate vineyards. Reporting to the Vineyard Manager, this is a hands-on field position central to the health of the vines and the quality of the fruit. The operator carries out mechanized work throughout the growing season — mowing, cultivation, spraying, hedging, and harvest support — while keeping equipment clean, calibrated, and well maintained. The work demands precision, mechanical aptitude, and a strong safety mindset, often on sloped and uneven terrain and within narrow vine rows.
This role involves outdoor, physical work across estate vineyard blocks throughout the growing season. There will be extended hours, early starts, and weekend work during spray windows, harvest, and frost-protection events, seasonal intensity from bud-break through harvest (roughly March to November), with reduced winter hours. Exposure to agricultural chemicals, requires strict adherence to handling and PPE protocols.
About O'Rourke Family Vineyards
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.
What You'll Do
Equipment Operation
- Vineyard tasks — operate tractors and implements to perform vineyard practices including mowing, discing, under-vine cultivation, spreading, hedging, trimming, and harvest support.
- Spraying — conduct foliar and ground applications of fungicides, fertilizers, and other inputs using sprayers, following the spray program set by the Vineyard Manager and all label directions.
- Precision — select correct gear, RPM, and ground speed for each task, and maintain consistent, accurate passes between narrow vine rows and on sloped ground.
- Support vehicles — operate ATVs, UTVs, forklifts, and light equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, and blowers as required.
Maintenance and Safety
- Daily checks — inspect equipment before each use, monitor operation for malfunctions, and keep tractors, sprayers, and implements clean and ready to work.
- MiUpkeep — perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs; arrange professional servicing through authorized shops when needed, per the maintenance schedule.
- Calibration — monitor and maintain sprayer calibrations and implement adjustments with guidance from the Vineyard Manager.
- Safety — follow all safety and bio-security procedures, wear required PPE, and comply with WorkSafeBC and pesticide-handling regulations at all times.
Records & Teamwork
- Reporting — maintain equipment-use, maintenance, and spray application records accurately and on time.
- Communication — report problems, observations, and recommended solutions to the Vineyard Manager daily.
- Vigilance — scout vine rows during passes and flag disease, pest, irrigation, or trellis issues for follow-up.
- Crew work — participate cooperatively in general vineyard crew work — pruning, tying, suckering, canopy management, trellis and irrigation repair, and hand-harvest support — when not operating equipment.
What You Bring
- Demonstrated tractor and implement operating experience, ideally in a vineyard, orchard, or row-crop setting.
- Comfort and competence operating equipment on slopes, uneven ground, and within narrow rows.
- Solid mechanical understanding with the ability to troubleshoot and perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Valid B.C. driver’s licence and a safe driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in all conditions — heat, cold, dust, and wet — and to lift and carry up to 25 kg (approx. 50 lb).
- Reliability, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to safety.
Preference will be given to Candidates with
- A current B.C. pesticide applicator certificate, or willingness to obtain one (training supported by the employer).
- Knowledge of integrated pest management and vineyard spray programs.
- Forklift certification and first-aid training.
- Familiarity with viticulture and the Okanagan growing season.
Additional Benefits
- Health Benefits
- Employee Estate Wine & Hospitality Discounts
- On Site Parking
How to Apply
We'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume with a brief note describing tractor and vineyard experience to [email protected]
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.
Pay: $26.00-$32.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
