Lab Technician

Description

Job Status: Full-time

Pay Rate: $16-$18/HR

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Reports To:  Laboratory Supervisor 

Work Schedule: Varies

Amount of Travel Required: Varies

Messina Hof Company Overview:

Established in 1977, Messina Hof was developed from a family owned and operated vineyard and winery in Bryan, Texas.  Messina Hof is dedicated to high quality world-class wine production and genuine hospitality in its winery and resort facilities located in Bryan, Fredericksburg, Grapevine, and Richmond, Texas.  Messina Hof has doubled in size since 2012, and its annual wine production has grown to more than 200,000 gallons.  Messina Hof’s continued dedication to innovation, excellence, and family traditions is exemplified in its premium wines of distinction and landmark wine country destinations.  It has also been continuously named the most awarded winery in Texas.  Messina Hof is made up of a team of honest and passionate people of character that desire to be part of a rapidly growing company in an exciting and thriving industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our Laboratory Technician reports directly to the Winemaker and is a key position in our winemaking team. Duties will include all aspects of the cellar and lab, and oversight of overall wine quality and procedures throughout the winery. Perform laboratory tasks under supervision of Winemaker. Assist with the operation and supervision of the bottling line, crush pad operations, cellaring, and vineyard.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

Winemaking and Laboratory Functions

• Work closely with the winemaking team on wine portfolio management and daily operations
• Responsible for all lab analysis on juices and wines
• Help coordinate daily wine movement work orders
• Regularly update (daily, weekly, monthly) wine movement records, varietal files, and grower records and ensure proper documentation of all additions, movement, and changes in the lab books
• Prepare yeast inoculates and monitor all fermentations
• Assist will all fermentation and winemaking procedures in the winery
• Weigh and sort grapes before crush and assist with crushing and pressing
• Clean and sanitize winemaking equipment, cellar, and lab
• Assisting with bottling, packaging, barrel filling and cellar organization
• Properly use and handle winery chemicals and additives
• Oversight of winery safety protocols and procedures for all winery staff
• Assist with special events and Harvest duties as needed

Inventory Control

• Enter monthly computer records of bulk wine inventory, and reconcile to physical inventory
• Prepare monthly bulk inventory reports for use in TTB and TABC tax statements
• Maintain and update inventory of competition wines, bottling supplies, and winery chemicals
• Update tank charts and tank cards.
• Input bottling reports

Perform other duties as required including assisting other departments as needed

Qualifications

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

• Degree in chemistry, agronomy, crop science, or related degree and/or 12 months of lab analysis experience.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Good lab analysis skills.
• Comprehensive familiarity of standard cellar equipment and operations.
• Flexible scheduling required, may include weekends and overtime.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to operate a tractor and forklift.
• Ability to carry our detailed written or oral instructions.
• Perform frequent manual labor tasks, including lifting, bending, climbing, and other physical activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, and crouch.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds as well as bend and climb.  The employee is frequently required to stand for long periods of time.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The work may be performed either inside or outside.

Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Salary : $16 - $18