Contract Assistant Winemaker

at  Arterra Wines Canada

Job Description:
At Arterra Wines Canada, we aim to inspire the simple joys of life, and we come to work every day with a shared passion to build wine brands people love. As a pioneer in the Canadian wine industry with 150 years of experience, our success is driven by our people. We work together with integrity and pride, striving to reach our fullest potential every day, and we’re looking for people who do the same.
We are undergoing a pivotal transformation, actively in search of dynamic individuals poised to make a substantial impact within our ever-evolving organization. Are you someone who embraces change and excels in diverse roles that span across various functions? If so, we look forward to hearing from you!
We are currently recruiting for a detail orientated, quality focused, passionate team player to fill an 18 month maternity leave position of Assistant Winemaker at Laughing Stock Vineyards.
Laughing Stock Vineyards is boutique winery perched on the Naramata Bench in Penticton, BC, offering a selection of premium wines crafted in a variety of concrete eggs, clay amphora and French oak tank and barrels. Our winemaking philosophy revolves around gentle handling of fruit and techniques that bring forward the natural characteristics from our amazing vineyards.
The Role:
As Assistant Winemaker you will work in partnership with our Estate Winemaker and will ensure wine quality is maintained at all stages of the winemaking process.

Your key responsibilities and duties are as follows:

• Day to day cellar and winery management; support winemaker with writing, distribution and completion of work orders and updating cellar management system as required.
• Oversee and perform all cellar work in a hands on manner for all aspects from racking to filtration, as well as barrel management
• Ensure a clean, organized, well-maintained and safe cellar and winery
• Ensure all equipment is in good repair and schedule regular maintenance as needed
• Perform and/or schedule all required lab work, review and recommend follow up action
• Responsible for calculating and performing SO2 adjustments to winemakers targets
• Management of winery supplies, components and other items as required.
• Harvest Coordination & Leadership (People & Wine)
• Grape receiving, crushing, pressing and wine production operations
• Leadership, supervision and coaching of seasonal harvest crew
• Support bottling and packaging as needed
• Assist in educational tastings and tours of the facility when needed and available
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking process and procedures

Job Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Oenology and Viticulture an asset
• 2-3 years winery cellar/winery experience
• Strong understanding and ability to use technology
• Valid Forklift Operator Certificate an Asset
• Level I or II First Aid Certificate an Asset
• Strong commitment to quality with attention to detail.
• Results orientated with an ability to prioritize
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Candidate must be hands on, dependable, and self-starting.
• Knowledge and proven ability to follow safe cellar practices and operating procedures
• Ability to be trained in confined space entry process and procedures.
• Teamwork and customer service skills.
• Ability to work shift work including weekends (Specifically during Harvest)
• Can occasionally involve work outside in cold and wet / snowy conditions
• Ability to understand and perform mathematic calculations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain an organized workplace.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs.

Compensation: Budgeted Range – ($59,738.00-$77,308.00) the budgeted range takes into account several factors and qualifications that are considered in making compensation decisions including experience, education, training, licenses, certifications, and other business and organizational requirements. Base pay is only one component of the total rewards offering at Arterra.
The budgeted range will align with qualifications, including experience, education, training, licenses, certifications, and other business and organizational requirements.
We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and we invite you to inform us should you have any accessibility or accommodation needs

• Day to day cellar and winery management; support winemaker with writing, distribution and completion of work orders and updating cellar management system as required.
• Oversee and perform all cellar work in a hands on manner for all aspects from racking to filtration, as well as barrel management
• Ensure a clean, organized, well-maintained and safe cellar and winery
• Ensure all equipment is in good repair and schedule regular maintenance as needed
• Perform and/or schedule all required lab work, review and recommend follow up action
• Responsible for calculating and performing SO2 adjustments to winemakers targets
• Management of winery supplies, components and other items as required.
• Harvest Coordination & Leadership (People & Wine)
• Grape receiving, crushing, pressing and wine production operations
• Leadership, supervision and coaching of seasonal harvest crew
• Support bottling and packaging as needed
• Assist in educational tastings and tours of the facility when needed and available
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking process and procedure