Cellar Technician

Job Description:

Company Description:
Center of Effort is a small estate-grown winery in the Edna Valley AVA, outside of San Luis Obispo. In addition to our small-lot hand-crafted wines, we operate a mid-sized custom winemaking facility, serving winemakers throughout the state and beyond with high-quality custom production services. In working as a team to grow and produce wines of the highest quality, and in serving our winemaking clients, we adhere to core values of Quality, Sustainability, and Hospitality.

The Cellar Technician supports the day-to-day operations of the winery cellar. Working under the direction of the Cellar Master, this position performs a wide range of cellar duties including wine movements, barrel work, operation of crush equipment, forklift operation, basic laboratory analysis, and occasional use of specialized winery equipment.
The Cellar Technician is expected to work independently, follow established procedures, maintain accurate records, and uphold the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and quality throughout all winery operations.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
•  Perform wine movements including transfers, rackings, topping, blending, and dispatching.
•  Complete all work orders accurately and in a timely manner, including labor tracking.
•  Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, and winery equipment according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
•  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe cellar environment at all times.
•  Coordinate the receipt and dispatch of bulk wine tanker shipments.
•  Perform certified weighmaster duties in compliance with applicable regulations.
•  Collect, prepare, and ship wine samples as required.
•  Assist with bottling operations and packaging activities as needed.
•  Receive winery supplies and materials, ensuring all documentation is completed accurately.
•  Attend and actively participate in safety meetings and training programs.
•  Assist in training and mentoring entry-level and seasonal cellar staff.
•  Maintain current forklift certification and demonstrate safe operation of forklifts and material-handling equipment.
•  Safely move barrels, palletized goods, and load or unload trucks.
•  Complete additional winery tasks and projects as assigned.
•  Serve as a positive role model for harvest interns, seasonal employees, and new team members.
•  Perform all duties in a safe, efficient, and professional manner.

Harvest Responsibilities and Duties:
•  Set up, operate, sanitize, troubleshoot, and clean fruit-processing equipment.
•  Perform juice and fermentation additions according to winery protocols.
•  Assist with the training and supervision of harvest interns and seasonal employees.
•  Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work environment during all harvest operations.
•  Support extended harvest schedules as needed to ensure timely processing of fruit.

Position Requirements:
•  Previous winery cellar experience required.
•  Commitment to quality, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
•  Strong teamwork and communication skills.
•  Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
•  Open-minded, dependable, and willing to learn new skills and technologies.
•  Ability to lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
•  Comfortable working at heights, including ladders, catwalks, tanks, and elevated platforms.
•  Ability to accurately complete required paperwork, including timecards, meal-break documentation, safety reports, and other employment records.
•  Interest in staying informed about current trends and developments in wine production and wine science.
•  Willingness to develop technical expertise in winery operations, equipment maintenance, laboratory procedures, and winery software systems.

Full-time Position Benefits upon eligibility:
•  Medical, Dental, Vision and Long Term Disability Insurance
•  Accrued Vacation, Sick and Paid Holidays
•  401(k) with match
•  Tuition Reimbursement

Previous experience in a winery environment is a plus, but not required. Most importantly, the applicant must be hardworking, eager to learn, work well in a team environment and not be afraid to get dirty. Applicants should be prepared to work extended hours during harvest in a physically demanding environment. This includes the ability to work in various temperatures, in bending or kneeling positions, and being on your feet for more than 10 hours a day.

Corbett Vineyards, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, disability, sex, marital status, age, or any other protected status covered by federal or state law.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Contact Instructions - Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to Travis Enholm.

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