Harvest Laboratory Technician

Req ID: 7011 

Department: Mumm 

Status: Seasonal , Nonexempt  

Location: Napa, California (US-CA)  

Workplace Location:  On-Site

Position Summary:

Mumm Napa produces traditional method sparkling wines at our Rutherford winery, with all harvest related lab analysis occurring inhouse. The Harvest Laboratory Technician is responsible for the timely and accurate analysis of grape samples, grape juices, fermentations and finished wines. This position is also responsible for managing specific projects in collaboration with the winemaking team.

Key Responsibilities

Technical:

• Perform a wide range of Laboratory Analysis and Sampling Techniques, including but not limited to:
  • Monitor primary fermentation by performing daily brix, temperature and Sensory analysis.
  • Vineyard sample analysis including Brix and acids
  • Collect tank and barrel samples as requested
  • Wine and juice chemical analysis including TA, PH, free and total SO2, alcohol, nitrogen, volatile acidity, residual sugar, malic acid, cold stability.
  • Determine secondary yeast nutrient additions to cellar tanks
  • Perform chemical tests on grape juices after pressing, fermentations, wine samples as requested by the winemakers
  • Record results accurately on data sheets
  • Perform yeast counts and viabilities.
  • Prepare blending and fining and assist in sensory evaluation if requested by winemakers.
• Maintenance of instrumentation equipment with respect to calibration, cleaning and basic servicing
• Troubleshooting of instrumentation equipment and methods
•  Maintains a clean/aseptic work environment
• Contribute to the review of standard operating procedures
• Assist in all areas of the laboratory to ensure an even workload is maintained.
• Ensure laboratory is compliant with relevant industry quality and safety standards at all times
• Checks previous chemistry records and alerts appropriate individuals on the winemaking staff when discrepant results are encountered.
• This is an entry level laboratory role and we expect to spend the first few weeks teaching you the Mumm Napa way, so a positive attitude and willingness to learn new things are important!
• Basic computer literacy required to complete HR onboarding and safety training. Must be able to navigate HR and Microsoft systems independently.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

• Working conditions in certain areas of the winery can be cold/hot, wet, slippery and noisy
• Overtime, flexible hours, nights and weekends and the ability to work 12-hour shifts will be required during harvest
• Handling hazardous materials and frequent walking, including going up and down stairs and ladders, dragging wine hoses and bending are required

Skills / Qualifications / Experience: 

Essential: 

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry, Microbiology or related field
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Computer literacy (self-sufficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 
• Ability to lift 50lbs

Desirable: 

• Previous relevant experience in the wine, food or beverage industry 
• Basic understanding of regulatory requirements within the Californian wine industry 
• Experience with sparkling wine 
• Spanish language skills 

Salary Range: $18.00 -  $23.00  

The starting pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, training, education, and geographic location.

Trinchero Family Estates provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Trinchero Family Estates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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.