Seasonal Lab Technician 1 Jobs

At The Wine Group we are passionate about our people, our future and our wine. We are America’s second largest wine producer by volume with over 1,200 employees globally across 12 locations in California, New York and Australia. We are proud to be responsible for many of America’s most beloved wine brands, including Cupcake, Franzia, Chloe, Concannon, Benziger, Imagery, AVA Grace, 7 Deadly and more. We are dedicated to our culture built on values like entrepreneurialism, innovation, social responsibility and stewardship. To learn about us and our career opportunities, check us out at www.thewinegroup.com and then come join the exciting journey at The Wine Group.
JOB SUMMARY
The Seasonal Lab Technician 1 reports to the Quality Supervisor and is responsible for performing non-routine / routine chemical / physical analysis, tests required for quality control, research, and development purposes for the evaluation of raw ingredients, and products and processes. Assists in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting results. This is a seasonal position for the harvest season, appx. August through October/November. Ideal candidates will have either previous wet lab experience in a similar industry, and/or a degree involving heavy lab work (Enology, Chemistry, Food Science, etc.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains and calibrates analytical instruments in the laboratory in optimum operation condition. Work directly with suppliers' technical staff to resolve maintenance issues. Recommend new equipment and assists in selecting suppliers and appropriate accessories for proposed equipment.
• Performs wine quality analysis pertaining to grape maturity, White and Red juice analysis, fermentation tracking, press analysis, monthly QC, barrel monitoring, cellar / aging operations, and storage.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Additions and preparation of yeast and yeast nutrients to tanks and barrels.
• Maintains and calibrates analytical instruments in the laboratory in optimum operation condition.
• Operates laboratory instruments such as a refractometer, balances, turbidity meters, and other instruments as required to perform duties.
• As needed, run Test Stand and pull samples from top of tanks at high heights up to 30 feet.
• Performs non-routine and routine analysis utilizing appropriate distillation, titrimetric, colorimetric, and instrumental methods as required.
• Executes data collection, analysis, and reporting of monthly analysis on Inventory of wines held in cellar. Accurately report analysis and flag possible issues.
• Validates methods and equipment using a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Understands the proper use and preparation of standardized chemical solutions used in the laboratory. Ability to perform preparations when needed.
• Ensures accurate operations of all laboratory equipment / instrumentation such as Y15, Alcolyzer, spectrophotometers, pH meters, aeration-oxidation, cash stills, etc. Ability to troubleshoot when necessary to ensure accurate results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous winery experience desired but we will consider training the right person.
• BS in Enology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field or equivalent of 5 years industry experience
• Ability to set priorities and work independently within set guidelines.
• Excellent organizational & interpersonal skills with attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of production / manufacturing operations
• Must be willing and able to work at high heights up to 30 feet.
• Must be 18 years or older at time of hire.
• Prioritize while able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficient in the following computer applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, VA, and ability to learn new programs.
• Provide good verbal and written communications to all levels of management, both internally and externally
• Ability to work in an environment that has changing priorities and multiple projects.
• Good working and theoretical knowledge of analytical instrumentation
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, work effectively in team / crew environment, adherence to all safety regulations and operating procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in the lab and production environment.
• Must be able to frequently lift and carry weights of up to 50 pounds at varying frequencies.
• Working environment is both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to related equipment and noise levels.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

COMPENSATION

• Hiring Hourly Rate Posted: $19.50/hr

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to an environment of mutual respect, diversity and inclusion. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.