Jefferson Vineyards Associate
Casual Position
About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson’s world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience. As a private, nonprofit organization, the Foundation’s regular operating budget does not receive ongoing government support to fund its twofold mission of preservation and education. For information, visit Monticello.org.
Job Purpose
The Jefferson Vineyards Associate provides customer service in a wine and history focused retail environment. The Associate also assists with inventory and retail fulfillment. This position ensures that Jefferson Vineyards is a welcoming destination with a rich and memorable experience for our visitors.
Essential Functions
- Open and close the retail areas for service:
- Set up the bar areas, open bottles, install pourers, open the gate, and ensure Tasting Room areas are ready for service.
- Print or copy menus used for daily operations.
- Quality control of IT hardware daily, ensuring all digital equipment is charged and functioning properly.
- Maintain cleanliness of the Tasting Room, trash removal, glass polishing, wiping down restrooms, dusting, and other cleaning tasks.
- Set up, pour, and break down events, including music, internal and special events.
- Maintains organization and cleanliness of all supply storerooms.
Customer Service
- Greet and provide guests with information on products and services.
- Serve wine and related products to in-person guests.
- Sell products: wine, merchandise, food items, and Wine Club membership
- Educate visitors on Jefferson Vineyards' history and winemaking.
- Process Tasting Room, online, and Wine Club orders and payments.
- Communicate issues regarding customer orders and requests, including Wine Club-related.
- Document customer service complaints and resolutions digitally.
- Check the Tasting Room Voicemail and respond to messages daily.
- Read and answer the Tasting Room and Wine Club email.
- Maintain the cleanliness of our guest and retail areas.
Inventory and Fulfillment
- Pull, print, and pack online and Wine Club orders.
- Update Wine Club membership profiles and document changes.
- Inventory wine and non-wine products in the retail areas.
- Physically and digitally move inventory and record transfer.
- Stock retail and storage spaces.
- Distribution and Wine Club order fulfillment.
- Maintain stock levels of customer areas.
- Other Duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Retail sales experience required; wine knowledge preferred.
- Point of Sale knowledge or willingness to learn.
- Familiarity with Microsoft programs and general computer skills.
- Flexible and hospitable outlook.
- Ability to describe wines and winemaking techniques.
- Willingness to learn and educate customers on our wines and history.
- Knowledge of wine and ability to accurately describe wine.
Physical Demands and Work Considerations
- Monticello and Jefferson Vineyards are located in interior and exterior environments and walking on steep and uneven ground is necessary.
- Monticello and Jefferson Vineyards are open 363 days a year.
- Based on staffing and forecasted sales, non-traditional shifts such as early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, or split shifts may be required.
- Ability to work signature major events and most holidays, including 4th of July.
- Standing on hard surfaces at Jefferson Vineyards for long periods is required.
- Must adhere to all Foundation policies, including dress code requirements.
- Ability to work outside in weather conditions, including inclement weather.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs repeatedly, push and pull weight repeatedly, and twist and turn wrist to open wine bottles and polish glassware.
- Must be able to sell/serve alcoholic beverages (18+) legally.
- Must be able to work in a team environment.
