JOB SUMMARY

Lab Technicians perform analytical analysis, product, and packaging quality assessments, including issue investigation and resolution to ensure the quality of our work, quality of our wines and quality of our finished products. Lab Technicians work to meet or exceed the quality expectations and regulatory requirements of our varied customers, both internal and external. Technicians must have integrity, a good attitude, perseverance, be flexible, and work as part of a team. Lab Technicians possess a sense of urgency, take the initiative and work with the highest attention to detail. Technicians are responsible for communicating and collaborating effectively with many functional areas within TWG, across facilities, and where appropriate, with packaging material suppliers, ingredient suppliers, export customers, bottling co-packers, equipment vendors, etc. Areas of responsibility include performing a wide range of analytical analysis, sanitation validation, and where applicable audits of product quality and processes as well as microbial stability evaluation of wines in tank or barrel, bulk export and or packaged wines in addition to a wide range of quality or food safety related projects. Lab Technicians must operate the variety of instrumentation/tools, and computer systems utilized to perform the job functions and participate in tests and projects as assigned. Higher Level Technicians take on additional duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Level 1:


* Actively commit to and participate in our lab and corporate safety programs: including following all safety protocols and procedures. Learning to recognize and report hazards and take appropriate action to keep yourself and others safe. Participate in safety programs, activities, including delivering safety training on a variety of topics.
* Effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues, within the team, the facility and across all functional areas the lab interacts with. Share information, participate in meetings etc.
* Perform routine analysis at all stages of the winemaking process from grape samples to consumer complaints utilizing appropriate methods per SOPs. Operate and assist in maintaining the varied laboratory instruments and equipment utilized, such as auto-titrators, spectrophotometers, densitometers, Y15, alcolyzer, balances, pH meters, etc. Capture complete, accurate and thorough results. Play a key role in bottling tank approval process.
* Perform process audits, compliance verification and or package quality assessments. Assist in identifying and resolving issues and/or taking appropriate action on sanitation issues, non-conforming product or material issues as directed. Timing is critical and must be managed to ensure responsibilities are performed at appropriate times. Capture clear, concise, accurate data and information. Seek input as appropriate. (Varies by facility).
* Perform sanitation validation and troubleshooting through swabbing, record, and data review etc.
* Participate in and support our Food Safety Management Programs as a part of your routine duties.
* Make quality and process improvement suggestions and follow through to implement as appropriate.
* Maintain daily analysis spreadsheets and communicate results to Winemakers.
* Perform Bottling line QA checks.
* Weighing, mixing and adding an addition of nutrients to fermentation
* Data management: Input and evaluate data, perform calculations to determine basic statistical parameters. Utilize technology; computers, and specific software for managing processes including JDE, Microsoft Office, and Nova Link.
* Recognize common issues, collect data/information for common or less complex issues, seek direction on resolution.
* Help maintain a clean, safe laboratory facility. Follow good laboratory practices and lead by example.
* Monitor, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot routine common issues with lab equipment and instrumentation.
* Sampling from different wine vessels such as tanks, barrels, drums, etc.
* Ability to work in different environments such as crush pad (outside), barrel room, and wine cave.

Level 2 - in addition to above:

* Demonstrates ownership of core processes and ensures team goals are met on their shift.
* Provides the necessary technical support to facilitate timely and successful completion of projects as assigned.
* Performs work that is varied and somewhat difficult/challenging but usually involves limited responsibility.
* Provides guidance/training to lower level or less experienced lab technicians and as directed, persons from cellar or operations on appropriate quality related functions/instruments.
* Recognize and investigate root cause on more complex issues, suggest further steps, present options for resolution. As needed, stays up to date on best practices, current technology, and techniques through literature review, attending seminars/conferences, etc.
* Where appropriate: Interprets microbiological data. This includes proper microbe ID, microscope work, preparing streak plates, evaluating results, and taking appropriate follow up action such as placing product on hold. Know when to report concerning results to management. Good follow-through.
* Maintain running inventory of lab supplies and yeast/nutrient additives.
* Bench Blend preparation for wines. Arranging samples, actual blending, analysis, bench trials as needed.
* Monitor wastewater ponds.
* Maintain clean and organized workplace.
* Where appropriate: with direction from winemaking and or quality management, provide oversight to cellar/bottling sanitation processes and programs.
* Where appropriate: act as a packaging material champion on issue investigations and resolution.
* Where appropriate: assist in investigating, resolving, and dispositioning finished product HOLDs.
* Where appropriate: act as a key member of a Food Safety Team and/or Safety Committee Team.



Level 3- in addition to above:


* Experienced individual c