Job Description

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, FitVine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and BrandyLab.

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.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 enthusiasm.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to calculate figures and amounts.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

• Walk, kneel, bend, and stand
• Long hours during peak periods
• Lift and/or move up to 60 pounds
• Ability to work multiple shifts
• Climb stairs

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:

O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

• Sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Perform some repetitive motion activities.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Occasionally lift, move, carry, and stack boxes up to 60 lbs.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Climb stairs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This is an on-site position based in our Parlier, CA office. 
• Work is performed in a normal lab environment, indoors, and outside. 
• Noise levels are usually moderate, but may be moderate to high at times as temperatures fluctuate. 
• A percentage of work time may be spent in a wine warehouse and cellar where temperatures are cool, and noise levels are usually moderate. 
• Floors may be wet and slippery; proper footwear is required. 

California Pay Transparency Notice: This position is classified as non-exempt. The base compensation range for this role is $23 to $24/hour. Candidates are generally not hired at or near the maximum of the base compensation range. Final salary placement will depend on several factors, which may include the candidate’s qualifications, education, relevant experience, and alignment with current market data.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, discipline, and discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All employees must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. Without a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider or agree to any payment of referral compensation or a recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.