Seasonal Full-Time Cellar Hand

With the opportunity to move into a permanent Cellar Hand position after a 2-month assessment period.

Description:

Are you ready to get your feet sticky, your hands purple, and your taste buds tantalized? Then we've got the perfect job for you as a Cellar Hand in wine production!

As a Cellar Hand, you'll be an integral part of the winemaking process and will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on and first-hand experience alongside our experienced winemaker and winemaking team as they turn grapes into liquid gold.

We are looking for a full-time, highly motivated individual who is passionate about wine, eager to learn, and can work well with a team. You have the opportunity to move into a permanent Cellar Hand position after a 2-month assessment period.

As a seasonal Cellar Hand, you'll also get to:

Taste the wine at various stages of the winemaking process (trust us, it's better than any science experiment you did in school)
Attend special events and tastings
Learn about grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and the history of the winery
Work outdoors and get some exercise (goodbye, stuffy office!)
Make connections with other wine lovers and industry professionals
And, of course, get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite beverage is made

Responsibilities (included but not limited to):

Assist in the daily tank and barrel rounds checking and recording Brix and temperature
Assist in cellar activities, including but not limited to grape evaluation, pump-overs, pomace shoveling, juice/wine additions, and cellar sanitation
Update, create, and maintain various Excel spreadsheets daily
Provide necessary assistance to winemaking and lab staff as needed
Participate in and track harvest experiments in accordance with the winemaking staff's directions
Complete all written and verbal assignments as directed
Understand and adhere to all safety policies and procedures
Complete all safety training related to scissor forklifts and confined spaces
Assist Operators in setting up equipment, pumping grapes and wine to tanks and barrels, chemical additions, sanitation, and other cellar work as needed
Operate presses or other winery equipment
Responsible for the various duties relating to the completion of work orders, safety checks, wine processes, reporting off standards, wash down and clean up, performing specified equipment maintenance, and sanitizing the work area.
Vineyard sampling for Brix, pH, and T.A. and reporting to clients
Maintain a positive relationship, encouraging strong communication and teamwork
Handle and apply hazardous chemicals following all safety guidelines
A significant amount of overtime is required during heavy production periods and some shift work may be required
Heavy physical labor is necessary
Able to pull 60 lbs. on the cellar floor, turn empty barrels, set barrels on pallets, and shovel pumice
Able to work on concrete floors all shift
Able to work in confined spaces
Organize tasting and bench trial sessions for the winemaking team as required
Conduct basic wet chemistry and enzymatic analysis for juice and wine as needed
Support all phases of lab record keeping
Maintain order and cleanliness in lab work areas
Cellar tasks, vineyard inspections

Working Conditions:

During Harvest (August-November), Day or night shift, up to 60 hours a week
Varying temperatures
Work as a team or independently
Often fast-paced
Physical labor
Sometimes wet conditions

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift 60 pounds
Walk several miles a day over a concrete floor
Ability to operate a forklift
Perform repetitive tasks
Frequently climb stairs and walk across elevated catwalks
Must be able to work extended hours (10-hour shifts 6 days per week) in hot and cold conditions
Must be able to walk across wet concrete and step over hoses
Intermittent work outside in varying weather conditions

Qualifications:

Minimum age requirement of 21 when working in winemaking
HS Diploma or GED Equivalent, current enrollment in, or possess a degree or certificate in enology, viticulture, or related field preferred
Must have a passion for wine, and a desire to work in a motivated team environment
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills
Must possess strong organizational skills, work well independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, proficiency with Excel highly preferred
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently
History of responsible and appropriate conduct
Fit and able to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies as needed

Education:

Required - High School or higher
Preferred - Bachelor of Science or some college, with an emphasis in viticulture and/or enology

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $17.00 - $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 32 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount

Work Location: In person

Featured Companies

Karen MacNeil & Company

A Toast to You

Jobs in Prosser

Winery Cellar Hand