Our current Enologist is moving out of state and will be leaving the position in December. We are seeking an Enologist/Lab Technician this harvest to make the transition smooth. This position will manage and preform day to day laboratory operations at our mid-sized winery located in Shandon, CA, just East of Paso Robles.

The Enologist/Lab Technician plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and quality of our and our client wines. Working closely with winemaking and the cellar, this position oversees laboratory operations, carries out analytical testing, supports winemaking and ensures correct data throughout the winemaking analysis and quality control cycle.

Essential Duties

•  Safely conduct and oversee all laboratory analysis. Ensure correct and timely lab analysis and data reporting in Vintrace. This includes all stages of winemaking.

•  Use, maintain, calibrate, and clean all laboratory equipment; prepare standard solutions. Order and keep inventory of all laboratory supplies. Maintain and keep all laboratory areas clean. Specific equipment used: Admeo Spica, Anton Paar Alcolyzer and Density Meter, auto titrator and other general lab equipment.

•  Develop, maintain, and revise SOPs and protocols for all laboratory work. Maintain laboratory SDS.

•  Provide bottling support and prepare bottling records.

•  Longer hours during crush and peak periods: September through November - 7 days a week (Monday – Sunday). A flexible schedule and overtime are required to meet operational needs, especially during Harvest


Key Responsibilities

•  Identify and report anomalies in test results; ensure data accuracy and integrity.
•  Filing and organizing hard copies from Vintrace and lab data.
•  Work with other members of the winemaking team to ensure all outside requested analysis is completed and inputted in Vintrace.
•  Maintain and order office/lab supplies
•  Participate on the Safety Committee. Manage and order PPE supplies.
•  Participate in winemaking tastings when applicable
•  Assist with setting up blends and fining trials as direct by winemaking.
•  Collaborates on research into new technology, processes, procedures, materials, and equipment.
•  Participate in R&D, Date Collection, and presentations to the winemaking team.
•  Assist with other tasks as assigned.


Qualifications

•  B.S. in Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemistry, related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience
•  2-year experience in production winery environments. Lab experience strongly preferred.
•  Computer literate (Microsoft applications) with proficiency in wine tracking systems. Vintrace experience is strongly preferred.
•  An understanding of the annual winemaking processes and QC points.
•  Working knowledge of lab equipment: Admeo Spica, Alcolyzer, Density Meter, Auto Titrator, Micro-Pipetting and other general lab equipment is strongly preferred. Excellent analytical skills.
•  Flexibility and willingness to work within regularly changing priorities.
•  Ability to manage multiple priorities and workflows to achieve necessary timelines in a high pace environment.
•  Ability to lift 40 lbs. Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended hours, particularly during harvest.
•  A valid CA driver’s license and reliable transportation to Shandon, CA

What we Offer

•  This is a regular hourly, full-time exempt position.
•  Typically, a 4-day work week half the year.
•  Working: January – July / M-Th 6am-4:30pm. August – December / M-Fr 6am-2:30pm.
•  401K with 5% Company Match
•  100% paid Medical, Dental and Vision for Employee
•  10+ vacation days a year
•  Kylix Vineyards is an equal opportunity employer
•  Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. $25.00-$30.00/hr.