Job Description:
Duck Pond Cellars is looking to hire a cellar master to join our full-time wine production team. We are located in the Dundee Hills between Newberg and Dundee in the Willamette Valley, only about 45 minutes from Portland. Rascal, Duck Pond, Firesteed, and Ransom are the primary labels we produce. Mostly we work with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, but also bring in Muscat, Albarino, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and some big reds as well. You’ll get experience in many modes of winemaking (large-scale production, small-lot wines, certified organic wines, native fermentation, sparkling, vermouth…). We hope to find someone who fits well with our established team and adds to the positive working environment we’ve created (we spend enough time at work that we ought to enjoy it.)

**Please include a resume (with references) and a cover letter.**

Qualifications/Skills:

At least 3 years of full-time cellar experience
At least 3 harvests worked in the cellar
Management or supervisory experience
Demonstrated poise/leadership in adverse situations (a cool head is a must)
Can operate/plan on a macro (full year) level
Affinity for spinning many plates at once
Well honed communication skills
Attention to detail
Strong focus on safety (we’ve maintained an excellent safety record and intend to keep it so)
Vintrace experience is a plus
Willingness to learn new skills and take on increased responsibilities
Able to work independently or as a group
Able to identify common wine faults (VA, EA, reduction, Brett, etc.)
Forklift proficient
Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable form of transportation (car, van, moped, stable pony, etc.)
Ability to work in all weather conditions (some tanks are outside…)
Ability to hunch, bend, and maintain balance on ladders, as well as being on your feet for long periods of time
Ability to see effectively up to 100 yards (we are growing after all)
Ability to lift 50.32 lbs. repeatedly
Ability to work long hours, and occasionally weekends (we do well to minimize, but things happen)
Ability to work 6 days/week, 12 hrs/day during peak harvest shenanigans
Ability to laugh (when properly motivated)
Ability to work well with many different types of people and give all humans an equal dose of respect

Role/Responsibilities (including but not limited to…):

-Managing all cellar operations (keeping to timelines laid out by the winemaking team)
-Operation of all cellar equipment (pumps/presses/crush equipment/crossflow filters/RO filter/oak infusion/flotation pump…)
-Direct supervision of all cellar staff (cellar hands, interns)
-Ensure safety is diligently maintained and this is reflected by the practices of our cellar staff as well as the state of the winery
-Ensuring cellar sanitation and organizational standards are met
-Ensuring wine quality standards are met
-Communicating with the cellar staff on workflow and goals (the main conduit between the winemakers and the cellar staff)
-Trouble-shooting mechanical/equipment issues
-Upkeep of all cellar equipment (with the aid of our facility manager)
-Managing the filtration schedule so the bottling schedule is met
-Organizing/Creating a training program for all cellar staff (full-time and interns)
-Keeping the cellar stocked on regular use items (cleaning chemicals/nitrogen/argon/PPE etc.)
-Assist in the hiring of new cellar staff and interns for harvest
-Update/Create SOPs for all cellar actions
-Create/enter work orders using Vintrace software
-Payroll approval for cellar hands and part-timers

Compensation: DOE (Salary)
Benefits: PTO + Paid Holidays, Wine Allotments, Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, 401K w/matching
Timeline: Hopefully able to start by late Spring/early Summer (June.)