Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Viticulture Duties (65%):

• Monitor shoot growth
• Measure and record pre-dawn and mid-day leaf water potential
• Conduct crop estimates—including shoot, cluster and berry counts, taking pictures and data entry
• Observe and monitor phenology weekly
• Operate a soil moisture probe for data collection
• Conduct measurements of Fruition Sciences “smart points” and upload data
• Sample berries for maturity purpose
• Prepare berry samples — including count, crush and weight
• Prepare Buffer solution for berry extraction using a modified Harbertson-Adams assay for berries
• Report and monitor viticulture experiments
• Assist with logistics of grape harvest
• Provide support with integrated pest and disease management
•  Record and monitor vineyard measurements and vine counts for mapping purposes

1. Laboratory Duties (35%):

• Obtain samples from vineyard
• Take samples of grapes, juice or wine as requested from bins, barrels, tanks, or bottles.
• Complete daily laboratory analysis during harvest
• Solvent preparation and extraction for modified Harbertson-Adams assay for berries/wine
• Record analysis correctly electronically
• Alert supervisor to any abnormal results or those that might risk wine quality
• Operate, monitor and calibrate lab equipment, notify supervisor if out of specifications
• Understand SDS information sheets, hazardous material handling, wear PPE
• Respect all safety policies and procedures; insure correct operating status of safety equipment
• Weigh and measure using scale, volumetric pipettes or flasks, graduated cylinders

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Job Requirements: detail-oriented, curious, scientific perspective, open minded, good relationship and teamwork ability

Education/Experience: BS Degree in Viticulture or related International equivalent; or up to three years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of one year’s agricultural experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:   

• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea.
• Deductive Reasoning - Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Safety Awareness and Accountability - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety, be responsible for personal safety and safety of others, adhere to company policies and procedures.

Physical Demands:

N (Not Applicable) - Activity is not applicable to this occupation

O (Occasionally) - Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5+hrs/day)

F (Frequently) - Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5-5.5+ hrs/day)

C(Constantly) - Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Lift/Carry

10 lbs or Less, F

11 – 20 lbs, F

21 – 50 lbs, F

51 – 100 lbs, O

Over 100 lbs, N

Push/Pull

12 lbs or Less, F

13-25 lbs, F

26-40 lbs, O

41-100 lbs, O

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance)

Sense of Sound (i.e. Machinery/forklift sounds)

Sense of Touch

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Steel toe boots, safety glasses)

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.  Employee works around dangerous, automatic machinery.

Other:

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean DMV record required (if applicable)
• English and Spanish skills preferred (Bilingual)
• Wine knowledge and Viticultural knowledge preferred
• Computer skills: Excel, Filemaker Pro, Word
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects of 40 pounds (1 case of wine)