Willamette Valley Vineyards is looking for a Lab Technician to join our hardworking production team for the 2023 harvest. Come join our team, and take part in making our world-class wines!
Primary Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions
Analysis/Reporting:
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Perform laboratory analysis – basic wet chemistry, enzymatics via spectroscopy, and sensory assessment– on a routine and timely basis
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Provide samples – and analysis as necessary – to support Barrel Topping QA program
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Assist in preparing wine for bottling and perform hourly bottling QC checks during bottling runs
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Perform post-bottling analysis
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Perform post-bottling microbial plating to verify bottle QC
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Provide Winemaking Staff with weekly summary of lab analysis for review
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Keep wine lot records up to date across the winery tracking software (Vintrace)
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Maintain and regularly report up-to-date spreadsheets to track lab analyses – Daily Lab, Heat Stability Results,
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Average Cluster Weights, Maturity Samples, and Daily Brix and Temp
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Support with laboratory and chemical room inventory
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Assist the entire Production Staff with ensuring wine quality – tank top and valve inspections, cleanliness, and wine stability
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Assist in training and overseeing part-time/temporary staffing during harvest
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Manage the completion and reporting of all necessary Harvest analyses – pH, TA, Brix (Density and Refractometry), VA, YAN, potassium and malic acid.
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Manage the completion and reporting of daily Brix and Temperature checks on all fermenting vessels.
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Lead the addition team.
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Assist in additional harvest data entry.
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Any other duties as assigned by the enologist or winemaker.
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Assist in cellar work as necessary
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Other tasks as assigned by the Enologist, Director of Winemaking and Vineyards, Winemaker(s), or Production Manager
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Maintain a professional, clean, safe, and efficient work environment
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Maintain lab chemical log and OSHA and TTB required records
Must be able to:
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Support Company’s effort to create a more sustainable, cross-cultural, and “green” environment
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Make recommendations regarding cost/labor efficiencies, employee concerns, quality concerns, and any other issues to the Director of Winemaking and Vineyards
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Attend and participate in regularly scheduled Production and Company meetings
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Make recommendations for safety improvements and report any safety violations to the Production Manager or Winemaking Staff
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Participate in winery related marketing events including barrel tastings and tours as needed
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Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed, and assist in developing policies and procedures as needed
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Collaborate with all department managers towards profitability and help drive the vision and mission of WVV
Requirements:
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Strong organizational skills and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
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Proficiency in MS Office and Excel
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2 years of college coursework required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Biology, Chemistry, Enology, Viticulture, or closely related field
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Minimum of one year of wine laboratory experience
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Ability to lift 40lbs, navigate stairs and hilly terrain, and withstand extreme heat/cold weather
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Must be available for long harvest hours
Other Skills/Abilities:
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Must have highly developed, detail-oriented organizational, operational, and time management skills
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Experience with using rAPID-T system preferred
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Experience with Vintrace or other electronic wine tracking system a plus
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Have completed at least one harvest
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Founded in 1983 by Oregon native Jim Bernau with the dream of creating world-class Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region's leading wineries, earning the title “One of America's Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Benefits:
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Health insurance
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Paid time off
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Disability insurance
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Employee discount
Job Type: fulltime, parttime
Schedule:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Work location: On-site