Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Villari Farms

  Wenonah, New Jersey

Position Summary
Looking for a new team member who is versatile, energetic, and motivated. The candidate has a passion for and appreciation of wine. They enjoy a diverse set of job activities – including mental and physical tasks, both indoors and outdoors. The Assistant Winemaker will assist the team in daily winemaking and vineyard activities.
The ideal candidate is flexible, observant, and detail-oriented. They take initiative and seek new knowledge while accepting direction and constructive criticism. They work efficiently with minimal supervision. They contribute to company morale with a positive attitude and disposition, and they seek to add significant value through insightful and creative problem-solving. The Assistant Winemaker has a solid work ethic. They interact well with fellow employees and managers. They are committed to being part of a team and developing into a leader long-term.

Responsibilities
•  Winemaking activities include but are not limited to: Lab tests/analysis, racking wine, barrel management, cleaning vessels, operating cross-flow and pad filters, bottling preparation, coordination of bottling runs, etc.
•  Vineyard activities include but are not limited to: Pruning, irrigation management, petiole analysis.
•  Maintains accurate and timely records of vineyard & winery activities.
•  Maintains close supervision of team members to ensure proper techniques and quality of work.
•  Adheres to and enforces company policies and safety regulations.
•  Works nights and weekends as required throughout peak seasons during the year.
•  Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills
•  Successfully works on a team and manages team members as needed: Provides feedback to management, and may support management in communications, performance management, training, etc.
•  Strong written communication skills; Spanish proficiency is desirable
•  Excellent planning & organizational skills
•  Proficient in MS Word and Excel
•  Adapts quickly to new technologies; knowledge of vineyard and winery management systems desirable.
•  Able to operate farm and winery equipment.
•  Uses resources Intelligently and efficiently – labor, material, and equipment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
•  Arrives on time and is willing to work with the team until the job is finished.?
•  Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
•  Ability to work on feet for extended periods of time standing, walking, or lifting.?
•  Exposure to variable weather
•  Will occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, and may have to climb ladders to access elevated openings.

Preferred Qualifications
•  Education – Bachelor’s Degree in viticulture, enology, or related field; or Associate’s Degree with equivalent experience
•  Experience – 1-year cellar assistant experience

Position is full-time. Hourly rate will be determined by the applicant’s experience. Initial rate range is $16.00 to $19.00. Schedule is typically Monday-Friday and varies depending on the season and wine production needs. Candidates must be over 21 years of age to apply.