Laboratory Technician at Don Sebastiani and Sons
Address: 5 20 Airpark Rd, Napa, CA 94558
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10 hour shifts. 4:30am - 2:30pm PST.
Position Summary : Under limited supervision, the Lead Laboratory Technician will provide lab planning and support for the Winemaker and perform chemical analyses and product quality assessments on our wines. This position works directly with Winemaking, Cellar, and Production.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities :

• Acts as the lead laboratory technician in determining daily work schedule by reviewing cellar work orders and other winemaking projects.
• Performs all routine analyses of musts and wines in a timely and accurate manner. Analysis include: Free sulfur dioxide, total sulfur dioxide, titratable acidity, pH, alcohol, residual sugar, malic acid, volatile acidity, turbidity, density, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, conductivity, protein stability.
• Performs packaging audits on the bottling lines, including cork extraction, torque measurement, headspace vacuum, microbiological plating, package appearance evaluation, equipment pressures, non-conformities evaluation.
• Appropriately calibrates and standardizes all equipment and lab chemicals.
• Maintains all analytical equipment in proper working order.
• Actively maintains a clean, orderly, and safe laboratory work area while observing all safety rules.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records of all analyses and quality assurance audits.
• Collects samples for analysis and trials.
• Prepares bench-scale trials, microbiology, and sensory evaluations.
• Communicates any "out of range" results to cellar lead and winemaking team.
• Assists in identifying, resolving issues, and taking appropriate action on non-conforming product or materials.
• Purchases laboratory supplies in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Manages purchase orders via NAV.
• Performs off-site responsibilities such as analyses, fermentation checks, inspections, etc., as determined by the winemaking team.
• Organizes research experiments on issues of potential interest.
• Manages the Wine Libraries (Production, 30-Day, and Appellation).
• Travel is required, as well as, on occasion, extended workdays, and weekend work (primarily during harvest). Actively participates in and abides by all HACCP and ISO programs as part of DSS compliance.
• Performs special assignments, projects, and other duties as requested.

Education and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline (Enology or Chemistry preferred).
• Minimum of three years of experience in a winemaking environment.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with wine tracking.
• Strong understanding of laboratory methodology and wine production.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong sensory skills; knowledge of winemaking off aromas or flaws.
• Ability to develop, design, and execute projects under tight timetables.
• Ability to work under pressure while managing multiple projects.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 pounds continuously to move objects.
• Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.
• Able and willing to climb catwalks and perform duties at 30-foot heights.
• Ability to work in the Cellar, Bottling and Warehouse work areas where temperatures may be cool and noise level is usually moderate.
• If applicable, requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under DSS's insurance policy.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178 .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.