Lab Technician
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
West Kelowna,
British Columbia
About Frind Estate Winery
Established in 2017 with the purchase of the historic Bennett property in West Kelowna, Frind Estate Winery blends agriculture with technological opportunity.
With over 400 acres planted across 15 thriving vineyards spanning the Okanagan Valley, and another 250 acres to be planted, Frind Winery Ltd. has ambitious plans for future expansion, where our company stands at the forefront of viticultural innovation
We are dedicated to crafting excellence in every vine, cultivating multiple distinct grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Marechal, Foch and Regent, across our varied geographic locations from as far south as Osoyoos to as far north as Vernon.
Our commitment to excellence is supported by our state-of-the-art in-house lab, where advanced analysis, including soil and petiole analyses, help us optimize vineyard health and performance.
In Production, we use cutting edge technology such as density sorting, optical sorting, flash detente HL2, Stars and so much more!
We are looking for LAB TECHNICIANS to join our team in both permanent full-time and seasonal harvest roles based in our West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Production/Lab facility. Whether you're looking to grow your career or gain experience during the excitement of harvest, this is your chance to contribute to a quality-driven, innovative winery.
Summary:
The Lab Technician will support the day-to-day operations of our laboratory. This role serves as a key team member, performing laboratory tests, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and procedural standards. The Lab Technician provides all the required technical support to enable the lab to function effectively. The work plays an important role in the foundation stages of research and development (R&D) and in scientific analyses and investigation. The Lab Technician works under the guidance of the Lab Manager and may provide support and training to lab staff.
Responsibilities:
- Perform routine and complex laboratory tests with minimal supervision, following established protocols and guidelines
- Assist in the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
- Analyze and interpret test results, record data accurately and maintain detailed logs
- Ensure that all lab work adheres to safety, health, and regulatory standards
- Assist in the preparation of samples, reagents, and other materials required for testing
- Collaborate with team members to support various research or production initiatives
- Conduct quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
- Maintain inventory of lab supplies and ensure proper storage of materials and samples
- Prepare reports and summaries for review by Lab Manager
- Participate in the development and refinement of lab protocols
- Record and report data from all analyses and tests in the prescribed time and form and maintain records in accordance with laboratory procedures
- Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example centrifuges, titrators, pipetting machines and pH meters
- Operate analytical instruments
- Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability
- Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research
- Make detailed observations; analyze data and interpret results
- Perform limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments
- Log all samples for routine, non-routine and other tests
- Use ICP-OES for elemental analysis
- Prepare blind test samples and record
- Review incomplete samples
- Responsible for lab cleaning, sample disposal, monthly inventory check, safety duties etc.
- Collecting samples in the cellar
- Other duties as assigned
Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field
- Completion of a Chemical Technology program or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of WHMIS and MSDS
- Strong Understanding of health, safety and environmental standards
- Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory techniques, terminology, equipment and materials
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of chemical, biological and physical testing and analyses including the preparation of materials, equipment and samples
- Demonstrated knowledge of data processing
- Ability to use analytical instrumentation
- Must have good written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrate applicable ethics and due diligence
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
- Must be able to manage time effectively
- High attention to detail and degree of accuracy
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills
- Ability to respond appropriately in fast-paced, high-pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor
- Ability to work overtime as required
- Ability to work longer and varying hours and a variety of shifts during peak periods including harvest.
- Legally eligible to work in Canada
- Experience with ICP-OES, Thermo Gallery, and/or GC/MSMS an asset
- MS Office skills an asset
- Previous research experience an asset
- Experience troubleshooting analytical instruments an asset
Why Work for Us?
- Join a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about wine and committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.
- We embrace innovation and creativity in everything we do, from winemaking techniques to customer experiences.
- Our commitment to excellence runs through everything we do, from vineyard management to customer service.
What we offer
The compensation range for this position is $20-$29 per hour
It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
