Winemaker + Enology Instructor (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

SUMMARY
This position is responsible for overseeing wine production for Highland Vineyards and Winery as well as collaborate with V&E staff to mentor winemaking clients in the college’s wine-business incubator. Additionally, this position includes a teaching load of 3 - 9 credits of Enology courses per semester (and possibly one course during summer). Finally, the position will assist in research and outreach duties for the Kansas grape and wine industry including hosting/teaching workshops and attending conferences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are essential. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Collaborate with V&E Department staff to manage and perform day-to-day activities in the winery incubator and lab, tasting room, and Highland vineyards and winery.
2. Maintain winery and laboratory equipment and supplies. Report any major maintenance needs or equipment abnormalities to V&E Program Director.
3. Teach 3-9 credits of courses each semester and potentially one summer course. Workshops for industry may count as partial teaching load. Supervise interns/students.
4. Serve as a winery outreach agent including consulting for the Kansas grape and wine industry and attendance at some national industry conferences.
5. Assist with technical information pertaining to curriculum development and review within the department and at VESTA Annual Summit.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for supervision of students in class setting. May supervise student workers/interns. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; collaborating with program staff; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree or higher in enology, fermentation science, or related field of study. Minimum of five years of experience working in wine production. Computer literacy required. Experience with hybrid grape varieties preferred. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. E.O.E.

PROGRAM INFORMATION
The HCC Viticulture and Enology Program is located in Wamego, KS (www.wamego.org). Highland currently has 6 acres of vines and a commercial winery. The college began offering degree programs in viticulture and enology in 2010 (www.highlandcc.edu/pages/grapes) and is the Kansas member of the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) (www.vesta-usa.org). In 2019, the college founded 456 Wineries, a wine-business incubator for startup wineries, the first such incubator east of the Rocky Mountains (www.456wineries.com). The program was started and continues to be led by Scott Kohl, a senior member of the VESTA staff.