Lab Tech (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Rutherford Wine Company

  St. Helena, California

This position will be responsible for assisting with sampling, analysis of wine, berry and juice, analysis data entry, work order auditing and entry and bottling QA/QC checks. The position will also aid the winemaking team with trial blends, stability trials, chemical inventory and procedure review and writing. Harvest duties include tank and barrel fermentation checks, vineyard berry sampling and data entry. Other duties will include but are not limited to administrative duties to support the production team, microbiology tasks and continued education. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Technician (45%)

• Maintain a clean, safe working environment while accurately performing wet chemistry and automated analyses.

• Calibrate laboratory equipment.

• Stock laboratory supplies.

• Laboratory data entry.

• Ability to troubleshoot equipment. 

• Maintain laboratory files.

• Sampling barrels, tanks and vineyards.

Data Entry (35%)

• Responsible timely and accurate data entry (AMS and NAV).

Bottling QC (20%)

• Assist in monitoring dissolved oxygen throughout each day’s bottling.

• Assist in checking fill heights.

• Pre and post bottling analysis.  

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Associate of Science in Enology, Fermentation Sciences, Chemistry, Microbiology or food science related field.

• Two years related laboratory experience. Winery laboratory experience preferred.

• Spanish language skills a plus but not required. 

Skills:

• Familiar with the winemaking process.

• Can remember/recall information, instructions, safety precautions, procedures and protocols.

• Ability to read, write, spell, and speak English.

• Ability to understand basic math and chemistry. 

• Ability to follow oral and written directions; work well under pressure and time limits.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with other staff members, vendors, customers, government agencies/personnel, and/or the general public.

• Able to communicate effectively with others on a constant professional basis.

Requires independent problem solving and the ability to work with others on a constant basis

---