Winery Operations and Lab Specialist (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

  Allan Hancock College (http://www.hancockcollege.edu)

  Santa Maria, California

Salary

$84,564.00 - $107,916.00 Annually

 

Location 

Santa Maria

 

Job Type

Classified Staff

 

Job Number

202200424

 

Department

Life and Physical Sciences

 

Opening Date

03/20/2025

 

Closing Date

Continuous

 

 

DEFINITION

Under supervision of the appropriate administrator and the guidance of the program coordinator, the incumbent will plan, organize, coordinate, and execute duties that facilitate wine production and wine sales. Promotes and values the mission and vision statement of the college.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a classified exempt position. The incumbent provides instructional and programmatic support by working with faculty and students in the Viticulture and Enology Program as well as the day-to-day operations of the winery. This position requires extensive interaction with students, faculty, staff, the general public and industry groups. The incumbent ensures the execution of the production, maintenance, and inventory, of the college wines. An incumbent in this class performs a full range of duties requiring a high level of technical knowledge and ability with limited supervision. 

 

Essential Functions and Qualifications

 

1. Perform winery operations and wine sales.

1. Assists program coordinator and instructors in winemaking plans, courses, and class demonstrations. 

1. Prepares lab activities and updates procedures as required by the program coordinator and/or instructors. 

1. Assists program coordinator by suggesting treatments, blends, and additions. Follows a system with work orders for each winery task. 

1. Helps to coordinate maintenance for and servicing all winery equipment including barrels.

1. Maintains inventory of all chemicals and equipment in the winery and lab and the storage of empty wine bottles.

1. Pulls wine samples monthly for lab analysis, adds sulfur dioxide or tops off wines as needed, and runs wine sample analysis as needed.

1. Gathers data from vineyard physiology and winemaking operations including experiments in viticulture, winemaking, and wine business.

1. Coordinates regular wine events including weekly college wine sales.

1. Reconcile daily sales and monthly inventory for the accounting department.

1. Identifies, pursues, and maintains accounts with all retail markets, wine shops, and restaurants; hosts weekend wine tastings.

1. Coordinates with Auxiliary Accounting and AHC staff as necessary for the planning and development of sales and outreach activities.

1. Under the supervision of the dean and in consultation with the Program Coordinator, assists in the recruitment, interviews, hiring, scheduling, and training of student worker employees.

1. Helps program coordinator and instructors to schedule and supervise wine production operations including but not limited to wine fermentation, blending, stabilization, sparkling wine production, bottling, and storage.

1. Helps prevent problems with wines and communicates potential issues promptly to program coordinator and faculty.

1. Maintains winery records including computer software database.

1. Prepares and participates in sensory evaluation trials.

1. Performs other related duties as required. 

Knowledge of:

• Subject matter terminology, techniques, equipment, and materials used in the Viticulture and Enology program, as demonstrated through college-level coursework, experience, and/or other assessment;

• Industry standards for winemaking and basic wine chemistry;

• Bottling and labeling tasks including preparation and execution;

• Principles of workplace safety and training;

• Proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials;

• Accounting software systems, spreadsheets, and databases;

• Application of laws, regulations, and requirements related to area of assignment;

• Oral and written communication skills; strong attention to detail; ability to troubleshoot independently.

• Organization skills;

• Regulations, policies and laws related to alcohol sales in California.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Plan, organize, and implement essential functions of a winemaking facility;

• Learn the procedures, functions, and requirements of assigned duties;

• Recognize student progress and take effective measures to enhance continued achievement;

• Train students and staff in the use of instructional and winery equipment;

• Work in campus network and computer-based applications;

• In-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs;

• Perform wine analysis including sulfites, titratable acidity, alcohol, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), and others;

• Prepare clear and accurate operational reports and analyze winemaking and vineyard data;

• Understand, carry out, and communicate oral and written directions;

Working Conditions:

• This is an FLSA exempt position.

• Duties are performed in both an outdoor and office environment, at a desk or at a computer.

• The incumbent will experience interruptions while performing normal duties during the regular workday.

• Work requires travel to other locations to attend meetings or conduct work.

• The incumbent will have contact, in person, via e-mail, and on the telephone, with faculty, staff, and the general public.

• May work a flexible work week, which would include occasional evening and weekend assignments as needed for special events and peak harvest/production periods. 

Physical Demands:

• Moderate work lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling 75 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds with occasional heavy work.

• Work requires standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.

• Operates a computer. 

• Communicates over the telephone in person, teleconferencing, and via email.

• Work outside without effective protection from the weather.

Special Qualification:

A sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and to staff and students with disabilities.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in winemaking (Enology), Fermentation Science or similar, and at least 3 years of experience in the wine industry or winemaking/viticulture program; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

License and Certification:

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver’s license.

• Forklift Operator certificate within the first year of employment.

• Obtain and maintain HazMat General Site Worker certificate. 

 

Additional Information

 

This recruitment is open until filled. The initial review of applications is Thursday, April 10, 2025. Applications received by the April 10, 2025 filing deadline will be given priority consideration.

This is an FLSA-exempt position. 

Regular Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter;

• A current and complete resume/CV of education and professional experience.

• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the application process).  Official transcripts are required at the time of hire.

Allan Hancock College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Allan Hancock College will not sponsor any visa applications.

How To Apply

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hancockcollege/ahccareers/jobs/4877853/winery-operations-and-lab-specialist

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