Harvest Lab Tech Intern

Job Description

Union Wine Company is seeking two harvest lab staff members to join their team at the Industrial Chateau, a warehouse-winery situated between Portland and the Willamette Valley wine country.

The company will process approximately 4,000 tons of fruit from various Oregon sources, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat, and other varieties. While Underwood is the primary brand, other brands such as Kings Ridge, Christopher Michael, Alchemist, and Amity Vineyards will also be in focus.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to participate in large-scale wine production while supporting the creation of high-end wines. Winemaking activities will include production of bubbles, sparkling base wines, and rose, as well as varietally labeled wines like Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, and Riesling, and various representations of Pinot noir.

Responsibilities

• Daily brix/temp measurements
• Process and analysis of vineyard samples
• Sample collection and preparation from fermentation vessels
• Operation of laboratory equipment, including the Admeo Y-15 autoanalyzer
• Set-up of bench-top trials, including fining, additions, and blending
• Perform calibrations of all laboratory equipment
• Sanitation of laboratory equipment
• Data entry into the winemaking database (VinTrace) and Excel
• Cellar work, predominantly involving inoculations and nutrient additions
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Participate in tastings led by Winemakers and Enologist

Requirements

• Laboratory experience (academic or applied)
• Obsession with accuracy when collecting, recording, and reporting data
• Reporting data in a timely manner
• Familiarity with the winemaking process is preferred but not required
• Ability to multitask while maintaining lab standards
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work and learn within frequently shifting priorities
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed during peak harvest
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of the day, as well as walk far and often
• Able to lift and carry 50lbs
• Able to work in varying temperatures and weather
• Verbal and written fluency in English
• Ability to locate secure housing

Work Environment

The employee will be frequently exposed to changes in temperature, indoor and outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.

The Good Stuff

• Competitive hourly wage with overtime: DOE
• One scheduled day off per week
• Daily catered lunch during the peak of harvest, with plenty of coffee, tea, and snacks
• Participate in tastings led by Winemakers and Enologist
• Post-shift beverages
• Fashionable high-vis vests
• Swag
• Friends for life