Position Details:

The Opportunity: WSU Tri-Cities is home to the world-renowned Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center, which is one of only a handful of comprehensive wine research facilities in the world. Through the facility’s state-the-art laboratories and winery, students are an active part in learning about the intricacies of winemaking. The position of Research Winemaker will coordinate the research winemaking for all faculty at the Chateau Ste. Michelle WSU Wine Science Center at the WSU Tri-Cities Campus. In this role, you will be overseeing and coordinating all aspects of research winemaking in the Department. You will be responsible for the production of commercial wines produced under the Department’s commercial and research winery license and the necessary compliance reports. The position also supports undergraduate education in the winery.

Additional Information:

Posting Close Date: Applicants must submit their completed application by June 30, 2025.

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime ineligible/eligible.

This position works on-site at the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

Monthly Salary: $4,386.85 - $6,580.27 monthly | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area.

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Viticulture and Enology or a related field.

Experience in wine-making and a commitment to conducting research wine-making.

Understanding of experimental design and research protocols.

Strong organizational abilities, team building, problem solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Ability to repetitively lift and carry up to 50 pounds; operate a forklift.

Must possess excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills, fluent in English, both verbal and written; spoken Spanish is helpful but not required.

Position requires availability to work a varied schedule and beyond normal business hours during harvest season as necessary.

Excellent math skills are required with numbers and strong record keeping skills along with a working knowledge of data collection and data analysis.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to learn other related computer programs and databases.

Responsiveness to the educational equity goals of the University.

Lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

3 to 5 years of experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the wine-making process and understanding wine-making regulatory requirements, including all aspects of harvest, fermentation, cellar work, and wine-making chemistry analysis.



About Washington State University's Viticulture and Enology Department:

Viticulture and Enology (wine science) explores every step of the wine-making process, from growing grapes in the vineyard (viticulture), to processing those grapes to make wine, to evaluating sensory components that make for excellent premium wines (enology). Students also participate in innovative research that contributes to the national and international wine industry.


About WSU Tri-Cities:

WSU Tri-Cities is one of six campuses in the Washington State University system, located in the heart of the Columbia Basin. Known for its strong community partnerships, personalized learning environment, and commitment to research and innovation, WSU Tri-Cities offers students hands-on experiences that prepare them for real-world success. The campus emphasizes access, equity, and opportunity, serving a diverse student population with a focus on academic excellence and community impact. With close ties to industry, national laboratories, and regional employers, WSU Tri-Cities is a hub for collaboration, leadership, and student achievement in the Tri-Cities region.


Area/College: WSU Tri-Cities
Department Name: Viticulture and Enology
Location: Richland, WA 99354

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children