Lead Laboratory Technician; Seasonal

Description

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 with a simple idea from our founder, Jeff O’Neill, that great wines should be enjoyed by all. We believe those wines must be of exceptional quality, centered around our core belief that doing the right thing for our employees, consumers, partners, and the planet is key to a sustainable future. As our family-owned business has grown, so has our belief in business as a force for good.

We are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability and a Certified B Corporation.

We are one of California's largest wineries, with operations in Larkspur, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Parlier, CA. Our award-winning portfolio of consumer brands includes Line 39, Fit Vine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and Brandy Lab.

The Lead Laboratory Technician ensures the O'Neill team receives accurate analysis of wine, juice, and spirits in a timely manner, and reports all inconsistencies and irregular data to the Lab & FSMS Manager. The Lead Laboratory Technician also plays a key role in guiding and coaching Laboratory Technicians to develop their technical skills and knowledge while working safely and following all chemical and personal safety policies.

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

• Guide the daily work of the laboratory team, helping assign tasks, monitor activities, and report overall performance to the Laboratory Supervisor.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff, promote training and development, and offer input on department policies and procedures.
• Lead work activities of the laboratory, planning and organizing tasks, communicating priorities, and helping keep work on schedule so deadlines are met.
• Communicate with other related departments to coordinate work and resolve issues as needed.
• Validate analysis by monitoring laboratory equipment and calibration logs for errors, and help resolve these errors in a timely manner.
• Train Laboratory Technicians on proper laboratory and general facility safety.
• Train Laboratory Technicians on proper SOPs for routine analysis on wine, juice, and spirits, and confirm their understanding.
• Ensure instruments are clean and properly calibrated, and notify the Laboratory Supervisor if an issue occurs with an instrument.
• Validate analysis and report any out-of-spec results to Winemakers, Brandy Makers, and the Laboratory Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Communicate directions clearly and follow up to help ensure tasks are completed.
• Ensure the laboratory is clean and meets company GMP and BRC policies.
• Work well both independently and as part of a team, depending on the situation.
• Track chemical inventory and flag when reordering is necessary.
• Maintain a strong commitment to accurate chemistry results.
• Help troubleshoot and resolve problems and issues that arise during a shift.

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, Enology, or a related field OR a minimum of two years of related experience.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis of data, laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting, and wine laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of wines and wine production is desired.
• Excellent written, oral communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow; proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with…