Operator I

Req ID: 6714 

Department: Winemaking 

Status: Reg F-T Non-Exempt, Nonexempt  

Location: Saint Helena, California (US-CA)  

Workplace Location:  On-Site

Job Summary:

Assist with or accurately perform any routine winemaking tasks as delegated by and in accordance with the verbal or written direction of the Winemaking management staff.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Leadership may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

* Support attaining a safe workplace and ensuring team members work safe and meet all safety standards for procedures and protective equipment

* Responsible for maintaining high cleanliness, GMP and sanitation standards in work area

* Lead by example and show initiative when working and assisting others

* Effectively communicate and collaborate with the cellar staff and other departments such as lab, winemaking, bottling, EH&S, and maintenance

* Identify and report equipment and safety issues and violations to cellar leadership

* Review and sign off cellar work orders, set-ups and additions

* Assist in training and certifying staff in cellar procedures and work instructions

* Assist cellar management with training certification and safety tailgates

* Familiarity with the ISO Quality System

* Operate winery process equipment/machinery at a highly proficient and consistent level

* Accurately perform and be certified in cellar sanitation

* Accurately perform and be certified in bottling line sanitation and operating procedures

* Accurately perform and be certified in the transfer, racking, and blending of wines and juices

* Accurately perform and be certified in the filtration of wines and juices

* Accurately perform and be certified in the crushing, pressing, and processing of grapes

* Clean and/or sterilize tanks, hoses, pumps, and other related winemaking equipment

* Accurately perform and be certified in the treatment of wines and juices with fining agents and/or cellar ingredients as directed

* Accurately perform the preparation of cellar ingredients and fining agents

* Use forklift to move equipment and ingredients/fining agents as needed

* Assist lead operators and cellar leadership in the distribution and monitoring of cellar work

* Assist lead operators and cellar leadership in determining and communicating cellar needs for staff, equipment, and supplies to meet expected demands

* Effectively leads seasonal employees during crush

* Responsible for understanding the Food Safety and Quality Management System and related activities, including the Food Safety & Quality Policy

* Food Safety Responsibility: Report problems with the food safety management system to supervisor

Where barreling operations exist:

* Barrel related activities: moving barrels, filling, emptying, topping, additions

* Help clean and maintain wood barrels and tanks

Qualifications:

* Values safety above all else

* Demonstrates some leadership competencies

* Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. required

* Experience: Minimum 3 years full time cellar experience or equivalent

* Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word / Excel) and to write reports

* Valid California driver’s license and ability to maintain a clean DMV record

* Good observation and communication skills (written and verbal) essential

* Attention to detail and ability to follow through with assignments and projects

* Ability to accurately carry out written and verbal instructions

* Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a "team player"

* Ability to respond to frequently changing production pressures

* Ability to work in a safe, efficient and cooperative manner

* Ability to perform regular strenuous physical work

* Ability to operate all winery process machinery in an efficient, safe and sanitary manner

* Experience with crossflow, pressure leaf, lees filtration, flotation, barrels, crushing & pressing equipment, forklift operation

* Ability to fill out forms accurately and legibly

Working Conditions:

* Moderate to heavy physical work

* Work site may be any one of Trinchero Family Estates’ facilities

* Standing for long periods of time (8 hours per day)

* Must comply with all safety procedures and equipment requirements including respirator, ear plugs and safety glasses

* Exposure to various chemicals in production areas

* Exposure to machinery, forklifts and related production equipment

* Long and irregular hours during peak periods or on various shifts

* Extensive walking and lifting of up to 55 pounds

Salary Range: $25.60 -  $31.25  

The starting pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, training, education, and geographic location. TFE offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, PTO, wellness programs and fertility and family building benefits.   We also provide a 401(k) plan where TFE may make a discretionary profit-sharing contribution.

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.