Lab Technician

Position Summary

Under general supervision, the Lab Technician is responsible for performing analysis to support overall wine quality. This individual will be following standard operating procedures, utilizing wet chemistry, automated analytical instrumentation and performing data entry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Cork QC sampling, set-up, clean-up and results tracking.
• Assist Lab Supervisor with bottling quality control.
• Performs routine wet chemical analysis year-round for quality control, trials, and special projects. (TA, pH, F/SO2, Enzymatic analysis, Brix, Brett, EtOH).
• Assist with vineyard maturity analysis as needed.
• Completes and tracks harvest analysis: berry and DOH analysis, juice analysis, primary and secondary. fermentation tracking, AgCode data entry, and communicates lot statuses to Lab Supervisor/Enologist.
• Organize daily tasting of juice and finished wines during harvest.
• Analysis and data tracking via use of Excel and Vintrace.
• Coordinate with Production Coordinator for set-up and clean-up of all technical tours and tastings in the Lab space, including generating tasting sheets and other relevant reports for the attendees.
• Procure bottled wine, tank, barrel, and amphorae samples (as needed) for tastings and manage inventory of the Wine Storage Room.
• Maintain all historical records, prepare reports and track returned bottles.
• Assist with bench blends, trials, and experiments.
• Communicate to Lab Supervisor/Enologist chemical and consumables inventory needs.
• Maintain lab equipment in clean and functional capacity, including troubleshooting and routine cleaning.
• Continual organization and cleanliness of Lab space and glassware.
• Critically evaluate analytical results and communicate with Enologist in a timely fashion any non-conforming results.
• Prepare sampling request lists and sample vessels as needed for analysis and tasting requirements.
• Monitor, record and report Opus One pond dissolved oxygen level and pH readings.
• Conduct monthly Lab Safety checks and maintain Lab SDS binders.
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree or coursework in Enology, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years' experience in a winery lab or cellar
• Intermediate knowledge and proficiency in data software: Microsoft Office Suite, Vintrace, AgCode
• Prioritizes attention to detail and purity of focus in handling multiple competing asks and responsibilities
• Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills
• Knowledge of good laboratory skills including sample and reagent preparation, sample handling, safety and record keeping
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of viticulture/enology
• Previous analytical lab experience
• Familiarity with SPICA Automatic Analyzer, and Vintrace
  
  

Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, lifting up to 50 pounds, and other activities necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

We invite all interested candidates to apply, even if you are unsure about whether you meet all the listed qualifications. Opus One Winery is looking for motivated, passionate, curious individuals who believe in our Core Values and Mission.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Collaboration - Reaches consensus about goals and methods for completing projects or tasks.
• Growth and Potential (A Great Place to Work) - Displays an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement, with particular emphasis on developmental areas that are job and/or organization-relevant.
• Integrity and Trust - Personally models behaviors that underscore the importance of honesty, truth, respect, and fairness in interpersonal relations; creates a supportive work environment.
• Job Performance - Displays specialized and/or in-depth skills, knowledge, or judgment associated with the position.
• Growth and Potential - Displays an on-going commitment to learning and self-improvement, with particular emphasis on areas of development.
• Reliability and Time Management - Arrives at work and/or meetings on time, ready to take action on responsibilities.
• Stewardship - Promotes and supports the individual and collective well-being of everyone at Opus One.
• Workplace Safety ' Complies with all workplace safety regulations, including cybersecurity.
  
  

OUR DEDICATION TO YOU

• Competitive benefits package including 95% employer paid Medical, with 100% employer paid Dental/ Vision/ basic life coverage/ STD/ LTD for both employees and dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer-only contribution, based on employee annual earnings.
• Work life balance
• Wellness reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Up to 40 hours of volunteer time
• PTO; Holiday Pay
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
  
  

Working Conditions/ Hazards

Work is performed in various environments: indoor, outdoor, hot, cold. The individual will be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic chemicals, electrical hazards, and fumes or airborne particles relative to normal cellar processes. Occasionally works near moving machinery parts. Noise levels are usually moderate to loud.

Safety Duties And Responsibilities

Accident prevention is of utmost importance in all phases of job responsibilities.

• Follow all company policies and procedures including job safety, safety rules and regulations.
• Assist management to provide safe and healthy working conditions at all times.
• Immediately report all unsafe conditions, work-related accidents, and illnesses to the Safety Manager and your supervisor.
  
  

OUR COMMITMENTS

SUSTAINABILITY: Opus One Winery is committed to doing its part to ensure a sustainable future and improve the environmental well-being of our community. We will continue to ensure minimal impact by continually evaluating our environmental performance and working to improve our program whenever necessary with integrity and purity of focus.

COMPENSATION: Base Compensation Range: $20.00 ' $28.00 USD hourly*

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Opus One Winery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

• The base compensation range is base salary only. In addition to base compensation, all roles are eligible for individual performance bonus and company bonus that range from role to role. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay. Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, such as skills, experience, qualifications, and tenure with Opus One.
  
  

We understand that benefits are also an important piece of your total compensation package. To learn more about our total compensation package, benefits and perks Opus One Winery has to offer, please visit our careers page.