Entry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting? Look no further! Wente Family Estates is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team for a seasonal lab position. This is a full time, seasonal, hourly position, starting around August and lasting throughout the end of December.

At WFE, employee performance is measured through the results delivered, as well as your behavior and how results are obtained. Consistent demonstration of our WFE RISE Values (Respect, Integrity, Sustainability & Excellence) are an expectation of all members of our team. As a member of our team, it is an expectation that you will improve the work, which supports the innovation and development of the whole organization.

The winegrowing operation is also driving a quality renaissance initiative through our focus on key priorities, measuring what matters, and the integration of Lean/Shingo principles and this role plays an important role in this initiative.

Position Summary

As an entry-level lab position, excellent training will be provided. The Seasonal Lab Tech conducts and analyzes laboratory/quality control tests according to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This position will be an integral part of the lab and winery team. This position will obtain samples, analyze juices, musts and wines. This position is expected to be able to operate both independently and as a part of a team.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for properly analyzing the following tests including but not limited to: Brix, pH, TA, Acid trials, Nitrogen, Turbidity, Anthocyanin and Tannin, Sulfur, Alcohol,  Malic acid, Residual sugar, Volatile Acidity, of juices, musts and wines. 
•  Sample from a multitude of different vessels, and in extreme conditions. 
•  Responsible for proper sample preparation of juices, musts, and wines for analysis. 
•  Responsible for accurate data entry in lab data files located in Excel and various online databases. 
•  Follows all SOPs and safety protocols. 
•  Recognizes and resolves discrepancies in analysis. 
•  Reports quality issues. 
•  Responsible for ensuring all lab equipment has passed calibration and daily verification checks before performing analysis. 
•  Responsible for maintaining equipment. 
•  Responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy working environment. 
•  Communicate clearly with coworkers and coordinate work across different departments. 
•  Assists in chemical preparation and maintains proper inventory in the lab of all supplies. 
•  May assist in generating lab reports for winemaking.

Physical Demands/Qualifications

•  Must be able to ascend/descend ladders and stairs. 
•  Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. 
•  Requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time throughout the workday. 
•  Manual dexterity and the ability to operate a computer for long periods of time without experiencing abnormal hand, wrist, or eye strain. 
•  Must have good communication skills in person, on the telephone, and mobile phone. 
•  Must have coordination sufficient to operate various office machines. 

Non-Physical Demands/Qualifications

•  Person must be interested, diligent, patient, a good communicator, and trainable. 
•  Detail oriented, strong organization skills required. 
•  Must be willing to work 6 days/week during harvest. 

Environmental Conditions

•  May be subject to working with a variety of chemicals. 
•  Will be subjected to working long hours during harvest. 
•  Will have some work outdoors and subjected to a wide range of weather conditions. 

Sustainability Contribution

Supports economic sustainability by performing critical tests on the product to ensure high quality wines. 

Supports environmentally sustainability by conserving natural resources as well as limiting the use of hazardous chemicals and properly disposing of waste. 

This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change, or be eliminated.  Employees are always expected to follow their supervisors’ instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.