Research Winemaker I WSU Tri-Cities (Richland, WA)

Business Title

Research Winemaker I WSU Tri-Cities (Richland, WA)

August 31, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

1138- - Coordinator

Research Winemaker I WSU Tri-Cities (Richland, WA)

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Washington State University's Viticulture & Enology Department is now accepting applications for a Research Winemaker on our Tri Cities campus. As the Research Winemaker, you will coordinate the research of winemaking for all faculty at the Chateau St. Michelle, Wine Science Center, located in Richland, WA. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, overseeing and coordinating all aspects of research winemaking in the Viticulture and Enology department.

You will be responsible for the production of commercial wines produced under the department’s commercial and research winery license, maintaining the necessary compliance and reporting, and supporting undergraduate education in the winery.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

This is an on-site/in-person role located in Richland, WA.

Temporary End Date:
This is a temporary position expected to end on June 1, 2027.

Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

$4,386.85 to $6,580.27 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Viticulture and Enology or a related field and three (3) years of experience in wine-making. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Commitment to conducting research wine-making and understanding of experimental design and research protocols.
• Strong organizational abilities, team building, problem solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to repetitively lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must have or be able to obtain within 3 months of hire, a forklift certification.
• Must possess excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills, fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Availability and willingness to work a varied schedule and beyond normal business hours during harvest season as necessary.
• Ability to apply practical production math to make accurate, safe, and legally compliant calculations in the winery.
• Strong record keeping skills along with a working knowledge of data collection and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to learn other related computer programs and databases.

• 3 to 5 years of experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the wine-making process and understanding wine-making regulatory requirements, including all aspects of harvest, fermentation, cellar work, and wine-making chemistry analysis.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

WSU Tri-Cities

Viticulture and Enology

Richland, WA

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all…