Lab Technician

SUMMARY: Maintains, performs, and troubleshoots winemaking quality standards and procedures. Assists the vineyard team with in-house virus testing. Supports the winemaking team with tastings and R&D projects. This position is a unique opportunity to work closely with both the winemaking and vineyard teams and has a lot of potential for growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Processes and analyzes wine, juice, and vineyard samples from vine to bottle using appropriate lab equipment.
• Performs chemical enzymatic assays (RS, MA, YAN, VA) on the Gallery auto-analyzer.
• Measures phenolics through Wine Xray on the spectrophotometer.
• Read and accurately interpret analytical results, identify, and understand out of range values, while logically assessing the full picture of the wine’s history and future.
• Assists with bottling quality control (both pre- and post-bottling) by performing standard checks and analysis and completing required records.
• Participates heavily in LAMP testing program – vineyard sampling, performing molecular tests, and managing vineyard data.
• Prepares chemical reagents, calculations, standardizations.
• Maintains chemical inventories, orders laboratory chemicals.
• Performs and documents results of lab trials.
• Read and accurately interpret analytical results. 
• Maintains quality of laboratory instrumentation and overall quality control of the lab.
• Responsible for preventive maintenance, calibrations and troubleshooting on all lab equipment.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating lab manual and databases related to wine production.
• Develops, implements and updates lab standard operating procedures (SOPs). Monitors SOP compliance.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating SDS binder.
• Pulls samples for analysis from barrels and tanks.
• Assists production team as needed including, but not limited to, understanding all aspects of winemaking.
• Collaborates with Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker on lab experiments and documents results.
• Assists with lab safety, safety administration and training.
• Assist with InnoVint data input for analysis if necessary, frequently looks up data in InnoVint for information and if necessary use Mock Blend.
• Collaborates with Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker on evaluating wine and assisting in creating laboratory bench trials.
• Offers new ideas and innovation pertaining to the laboratory.
• Supports winemaking tastings and participates when appropriate.
• Assists in preparing written budget proposals for lab equipment and experiments.
• Assists Freestone as needed.
• Maintaining a safe and clean environment in the laboratory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or equivalent in related field.

• Two to three years lab experience.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be highly organized with ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task when necessary and meet deadlines.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.  Willing to work flexible and extended hours when necessary.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. Experience with Softmax and LabX a plus and general understanding of InnoVint.
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance.
• Demonstrate ability to calculate figures and amounts.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis of data, laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting and wine laboratory analysis.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand and comply with all safety requirements and precautions within the cellar and laboratory.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.
• Actively promote a positive atmosphere and culture of excellence through leadership, teamwork, job knowledge and work ethic.
• Observe company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook & Laboratory Manual.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct reports but may oversee laboratory intern on specific procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• BS degree, preferably in wine science.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Must be able to read all safety material and written work orders and communicate with co-workers and supervisors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to work with advanced mathematical concepts (averages, metrics, algebra, statistics, etc.).

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to interpret a variety of data furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to solve practical problems associated with laboratory and cellar operations.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Sit for periods of time and enter data into a computer.
• Walk, kneel, bend, and stand.
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Climb stairs and catwalks.
• Strong sensory abilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is mainly performed in a lab environment with some exposure to the cellar, but will include vineyard sampling and outdoor tasks in the fall. Noise levels are usually normal but may be moderate to high at times.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources