Lab Technician 1 (Temp) - Ripon

Job Summary

The Wine Group (TWG) is seeking Lab Technicians to perform analytical analysis, product, and packaging quality assessments, including issue investigation and resolution to ensure the quality of our work, quality of our wines and quality of our finished products. Technicians must have integrity, a good attitude, perseverance, be flexible, and work as part of a team.

About the Role

This is a full-time temporary position anticipated to run through December 2026. Candidates must be available and willing to work any of our three shifts, including day, swing, and graveyard shifts, as business needs require.

Essential Functions

• Actively commit to and participate in our lab and corporate safety programs: including following all safety protocols and procedures.
• Learn to recognize and report hazards and take appropriate action to keep yourself and others safe.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, within the team, the facility and across all functional areas the lab interacts with. Share information, participate in meetings etc.
• Perform routine analysis at all stages of the winemaking process from grape samples to consumer complaints utilizing appropriate methods per SOPs.
• Operate and assist in maintaining the varied laboratory instruments and equipment utilized, such as auto-titrators, spectrophotometers, densitometers, GCs, HPLCs, NIR or IR analyzers, balances, pH meters, etc.
• Capture complete, accurate and thorough results.
• Play a key role in bottling/export tank approval process.
• Perform process audits, compliance verification and or package quality assessments.
• Absorb and resolve issues and/or take appropriate action on sanitation issues, non-conforming product or material issues as directed.
• Timing is critical and must be managed to ensure responsibilities are performed at appropriate times. Capture clear, concise, accurate data and information. Seek input as appropriate.
• Utilize proper aseptic techniques and skills, perform the multiple duties involved in micro plating. This includes proper preparation, plating technique, media preparation, and record keeping.
• Participate in and support our Food Safety Management Programs as a part of your routine duties.
• Make quality and process improvement suggestions and follow through to implement as appropriate.
• Data management: Input and evaluate data, perform calculations to determine basic statistical parameters. Utilize technology; computers, and specific software for managing processes including AS400, WMS, VA, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Recognize common issues, collect data/information for common or less complex issues, seek direction on resolution.
• Help maintain a clean, safe laboratory facility. Follow good laboratory practices and lead by example.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory facility. Follow good laboratory practices and lead by example.
• Monitor, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot routine common issues with lab equipment and instrumentation.
• ALL Lab Technicians Support and model all company procedures and policies.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 or older at the time of hire.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, work effectively in team/crew environment, adherence to all safety and food safety regulations and operating procedures.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures/protocols.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Positive attitude does not get caught up in negativity.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices, including sample and reagent preparation techniques, sample handling and good record keeping.
• Ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to prioritize while able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence.
• Computer skill requirements include basic MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Level 1

• Associate degree in Science or a High School Diploma with at least 2 years of work experience required.
• Alternative: Biotech Certificate or AS degree in chemistry, food science, biology, process technology, quality assurance, or related science field, or 1-2 years professional lab experience in food/beverage/alcohol industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to frequently lift and carry weights of up to 50 pounds at varying frequencies.
• Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Working environment is both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to related equipment and noise levels.
• Ability to perform tasks require bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in the laboratory and or production environment.
• Must be able to repeatedly climb 20 feet tank stairs/vertical tank ladders.

Compensation

Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00/hr.