Enologist/Laboratory Technician (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  St. Julian Winery (http://www.stjulian.com)

  Paw Paw, Michigan

The position requires a self-starting, highly motivated, organized individual with excellent laboratory, computer and interpersonal skills.  The enologist/laboratory technician reports directly to the Assistant Winemaker and works with the cellar crew and bottling line to accomplish the daily tasks required to process fruit, ferment and stabilize wine, prepare and bottle juices and wines, and receive and ship bulk juices and wines.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

▪ Daily set-up and calibration of laboratory equipment

▪ Routine preventative maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment

▪ Contribute to and maintain a daily QA/QC program in the lab to ensure data accuracy

▪ Perform juice and/or wine analysis in a timely fashion.  This includes the measurement of sugar, specific gravity, density, free and total sulfur, alcohol, titratable acidity, pH, volatile acidity, turbidity, color, heat and cold stability, sorbic acid, yeast assimilable nitrogen, residual sugar, and L-malic acid using either automated or bench chemistry analytical methods

▪ Set-up various wine/juice bench trials as requested by winemakers, including heat and cold stability studies

▪ Monitor juice tanks bi-weekly for sugar, alcohol and monthly microbiological sampling and sample prep for off-site analyses

▪ Prepare and standardize reagents, prepare samples for analysis, set sample priorities, and organize work flow

▪ Maintain inventory on all equipment, glassware and chemicals

▪ Tend to harvest grape receiving and sampling station - this includes weighing/inspecting trucks

▪ Perform pre-bottling analysis, bottling blend adjustments, perform bottling line QA/QC checks and insure fill volumes are within TTB specifications

▪ Food Safety Responsibility: Report problems with the food safety management system to supervisor

▪ Perform daily data entry and correction of entered data

▪ Assist/direct audit process within the winery

▪ Ability to maintain necessary certifications including PCQI Practitioner

▪ Participate and manage quarterly trainings

▪ May be required to supervise and train interns

 Qualifications:

▪ Education: Degree in related field preferred or college level courses in chemistry, biology and/or food science

▪ Excellent communication skills, time-management, and critical thinking skills are essential

▪ Good observation and analytical skills

▪ Ability to reprioritize activities on an ongoing basis depending on changing conditions

▪ Ability to accurately follow instructions and take direction

▪ Ability to respond to frequently changing production pressures

▪ Ability to handle numerous projects in progress at one time

▪ Ability to work with suppliers and plant personnel to achieve problem resolution in a professional manner

▪ Valid MI Driver License and ability to maintain a clean driving record

 Working Conditions:

▪ Moderate to heavy physical work, including extensive walking and lifting of up to 55 pounds

▪ Standing for long periods of time (8-12 hours per day)

▪ Must comply with all safety equipment requirements including ear plugs and safety glasses

▪ Exposure to various chemicals in production areas

▪ Exposure to machinery, forklifts and related production equipment

▪ Long and irregular hours during peak periods or on various shifts

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