Grounds & Vineyard Maintenance All-Rounder

Russo Estate, Diggers Rest VIC
Casual, approximately 20 hours per week, with potential for increased hours for the right person.

Are you a hands-on person who enjoys working outdoors? Do you take pride in keeping gardens, lawns, vineyards and rural properties looking their best?

Russo Estate is a large rural vineyard, restaurant, events and accommodation property located in Diggers Rest. With established gardens, lawns, vineyard areas, outdoor dining spaces and surrounding grounds, we are looking for a reliable Grounds & Vineyard Maintenance All-Rounder to join our team.

This role would suit someone who enjoys variety, is comfortable working independently, and takes pride in maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. There is also room for creative input, and we welcome fresh ideas on how to continue improving the appearance and presentation of the property.

About the role

You will be responsible for assisting with the ongoing maintenance and presentation of the property, including gardens, lawns, vineyard areas, pathways, outdoor spaces and general rural grounds.

Tasks will include:

Grounds and garden maintenance

Lawn mowing using a large John Deere mower, smaller Yardman mower and other garden machinery
Whipper snipping, edging and general lawn care
Weeding, pruning, hedging and garden bed maintenance
Planting, mulching, watering and general garden improvements
Maintaining pathways, driveways, outdoor areas and garden surrounds
Keeping outdoor guest areas clean, tidy and presentable
Assisting with general property clean-up and rubbish removal where required
Identifying and reporting maintenance issues around the property

Vineyard work

Assisting with seasonal vineyard tasks
Helping with grape picking during harvest season
Putting up, repairing and maintaining vineyard wires
Assisting with vine training, pruning and general vineyard upkeep
Monitoring vines and plants for pests, disease or general health issues
Assisting with basic spraying, treatment or prevention work where required, depending on experience
Helping maintain the overall presentation of vineyard rows and surrounding areas

Machinery and general maintenance

Operating a manual tractor and four-wheeler
Using basic hand tools, power tools and light machinery
Carrying out basic repairs and maintenance tasks where capable
Keeping tools, equipment and machinery clean, safe and well maintained
Working safely around machinery, vehicles, guests, staff and livestock/wildlife where applicable

About you

The successful applicant will ideally have:

Previous experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping, farming, vineyard work or a similar hands-on outdoor role
Experience using ride-on mowers, garden machinery and general tools
Confidence operating or learning to operate tractors, four-wheelers and other rural equipment
Knowledge of horticultural practices, plant care and common plant diseases such as powdery mildew, mould and other issues
Vineyard experience, highly regarded but not essential
The ability to work independently and manage tasks without constant supervision
A good eye for detail and property presentation
A strong work ethic and a practical, can-do attitude
Flexibility to assist with seasonal tasks when required

Non-negotiables

Must have a car or reliable independent transport, as the property is not accessible by public transport
Must be physically fit and able to perform outdoor gardening and vineyard labour
Must be confident using a variety of basic tools, power tools and light machinery
Must be reliable, punctual and able to work safely

Hours

This is a casual role with flexible working hours, approximately 20 hours per week.

There is potential for additional hours, increased responsibility and possible full-time work for the right candidate.

What we offer

A beautiful rural working environment
Variety in day-to-day tasks
A supportive team environment
Competitive hourly rate
Room to grow with the business
Opportunity to have creative input into the presentation and improvement of the property

If you have experience in this type of role and enjoy maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us keep Russo Estate looking its best.