JOB SUMMARY

Lab Technicians perform analytical analyses, product, and packaging quality assessments, maintain, and evaluate the accuracy of laboratory equipment to ensure the quality of our wines and the 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 and take initiative to work with the highest attention to detail. Areas of responsibility include performing a wide range of analytical and microbial analyses, sanitation validation, audits of product quality and processes, as well as participate in a wide range of quality and food safety related projects. Lab Technicians must operate a variety of instrumentation, equipment and computer systems that are utilized to perform job functions and participate in tests and projects as assigned. Higher Level Technicians take on additional duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All Lab Technicians I-II:

• 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 trainings on a variety of topics.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with their supervisor, the management team, and related personnel. Lab Technicians are required to share information, participate in meetings, etc.
• Evaluate all results you generate using various tools to ensure you and our customers are confident in the Lab's output. This includes using analytical controls, referencing standards/specifications, etc.
• Perform analyses at all stages of the winemaking process from grape samples to consumer complaints utilizing appropriate methods per SOPs. Operate and assist in maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment utilized such as auto-titrators, spectrophotometers, densitometers, GCs, HPLCs, NIR/IR analyzers, balances, pH meters, etc. Capture complete, accurate and thorough results.
• Play a key role in bottling/export 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, analysis issues, lab related harvest issues, etc. Seek input as appropriate.
• Initiate non-conforming product processes to capture and contain issues with finished products and packaging materials. Requires ability to capture details/data and communicate in writing to a varied audience and containing impacted product in the JDE INV system. Seek input as appropriate.
• Perform instrument maintenance, validation and calibration on lab related testing instruments that are used on the bottling lines.
• Perform sanitation validation via ATP swabbing, record keeping, data review, etc.
• Utilize proper aseptic techniques and skills to perform the multiple duties involved in micro plating. This includes proper preparation, plating technique, media preparation, and record keeping.
• Participate in and support our Food Safety Management Programs as a part of your routine duties.
• Make quality and process improvement suggestions.
• Data management: Input and evaluate data, perform calculations to determine basic statistical parameters. Utilize technology; computers, and specific software for managing processes including WMS, VA, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Assist in improving and updating the various tools used, including SOPs, forms, specifications, response plans, etc.
• As directed, train Lab Assistants and new or less experienced technicians on specific lab responsibilities.
• Help maintain a clean and safe laboratory. Follow good laboratory practices and lead by example.
• Monitor, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment and instrumentation, as well as troubleshoot issues

Level II –in addition to above

• Demonstrates ownership of core processes and ensures team goals are met.
• Provides the necessary technical support to facilitate timely and successful completion of projects.
• Provides guidance/training as directed to less experienced lab technicians and cellar or operation personnel 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.
• Maintains a TTB certified chemist status and signs COAs.
• Interprets microbiological data. This includes proper microbe ID, preparing streak plates, evaluating results, taking appropriate follow up action such as placing product on hold. May involve running PCR.
• Act as a packaging material champion on issue investigation.
• With direction from winemaking and or quality management, provide oversight to cellar/bottling sanitation processes and programs.
• Assist in investigating, resolving, and dispositioning finished product holds through to completion.
• Act as a key member of a Food Safety Team.
• Manage lab supplies inventory.
• This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict tasks that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 or older at the time of hire.
• BS degree in chemistry, food science, biology, process technology, quality assurance, enology, or related field or 5 years relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Food safety experience i.e., HACCP, SQF certified training a plus
• Computer skills: MS Office, JDE, Instrument software, Intelex.
• Winery or CPG lab/quality experience preferred.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, work effectively in team/crew environment, adherence to all safety, food safety regulations, and operating procedures.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts and overtime.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures/protocols.
• Must be able to collaborate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with the team, with colleagues, across departments and with outside vendors/customers.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices, including sample and reagent preparation techniques, sample handling and good record keeping.
• Ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to prioritize while able to adapt to changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry weights up to 50 pounds
• Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
• Be able to withstand a working environment that is both indoors and outdoors with exposure to weather, production equipment, and high noise levels
• Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in the laboratory and or production environment
• Must be able to occasionally climb 60 feet tank stairs and vertical tank ladders

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to an environment of mutual respect, diversity, and inclusion. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.

#LI-BB1