Cellar Hand/Lab Assistant
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Monte Creek,
British Columbia
Monte Creek Winery is currently seeking a full time Cellar Hand/Lab Assistant. We are located in the South Thompson valley, 20 minutes east of Kamloops, BC. Monte Creek Winery has previously brought in approximately 300 tons of grapes each vintage; however, we are continually expanding and growing into our new gravity-fed cellar. Our three certified organic properties consist of 75 acres of vineyard in the South Thompson and 50 acres in the Similkameen. Our team is dedicated to producing quality wines with a focus on innovation and sustainable practices.
This is an entry-mid level position, with opportunity to advance within our growing company. The position is two-fold, consisting of both cellar and laboratory work. The ideal candidate will possess qualities such as organizational skills, multi-tasking and prioritization, be analytical and detail oriented, and be innovative and creative with problem-solving skills. They should have a science or wine education background and/or sufficient industry-related experience. They should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills. The candidate must be legally able to work in Canada and willing to relocate to the South Thompson valley/Kamloops area.
Day-to-Day Activities:
- Cellar tasks – cleaning and sanitation, wine movements, additions, barrel work, filtering, bottling
- Harvest tasks – process grapes, set up and run crush equipment, hand sort, operate and clean membrane and basket presses, make additions, rehydrate yeast and inoculate tanks, punch downs, pump overs, ferment rounds
- Participate in blending sessions and winemaking decisions
- Lab analysis – pH, TA, RS, VA, FSO2, TSO2, alcohol, turbidity, ferment rounds, YAN, malic acid, polyphenols, glycerol, catechins, fining trials, protein and tartrate stability, DCO2
- Maintenance and calibration of lab equipment – centrifuge, scales, DMA, ebulliometer, turbidity meter, pH/conductivity meter, Biosystems Y15 Autoanalyzer
- Manage chemical and lab consumables inventory and order supplies as needed
- Submit wine information and analysis for VQA certification
- Visit vineyards to observe growing stages, signs of pest/disease, and sample grape varieties for ripeness testing (Brix, TA, pH)
- Training and supervision of harvest temporary workers
Additional Tasks:
- First aid attendant (training will be provided)
- Health and Safety Committee Meetings, writing SOPs and policies
- Assistance of hospitality department
- R&D projects to improve wine processing and quality
- Tracking dry goods and packaging inventory
- Other tasks as needed
Must be able to:
- Work evenings, overtime and weekends as needed during harvest season
- Be available for occasional evening or weekend events/work outside of harvest season
- Work at heights (ladders and catwalks)
- Work in confined spaces
- Be able to lift 50 lbs
- Stand for long periods
- Work inside and outside in various conditions
- Be trained to operate a fork lift. Previous experience considered a benefit
Benefits of Working at MCW:
- Working with a dynamic and enthusiastic team passionate about wine and sustainability
- Work at a beautiful location in a new production facility with lots of windows – no dark cellars here!
- Thorough staff training program
- Discounts for the retail shop and seasonal restaurant
- Company benefits package after probationary period
- Annual education credit after probationary period
- TFSA/RRSP matching program after 1 year of employment
Compensation:
- Expected wage range $25-$28/hr depending on experience, plus applicable overtime
Contact Information:
- Applicants can send resumes with a short cover letter to [email protected]
Monte Creek Winery is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Monte Creek Winery makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
$25-$28/hr depending on experience, plus applicable overtime