"Temporary Assistant Winemaker (Department of Food Science); Geneva, New York"

Temporary Assistant Winemaker

Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Geneva, New York

Who We Are

CALS is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Department of Food Science is one of the premier food science programs in the nation, applying the principles of science and engineering to ensure the nutritional value, safety, and quality of foods in the United States and around the globe. Our program integrates the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food.

What You Will Do

As a Temporary Assistant Winemaker, you will assist with research wine production. Other duties include:

• Assisting with grape intake and winemaking operations, including lifting grapes into a destemmer, moving crushed grapes into and out of a press, and washing equipment after use.
• Assisting with sampling and data collection throughout the winemaking process, including taking measurements with analytical equipment, calculating additions, and recording all actions.
• Assisting with fermentation preparation, tracking, and wine transfers, including punching down red fermenters, siphoning and lifting 3 and 5-gallon glass carboys, taking samples, and washing used glassware.

What We Need

We are looking for someone with an excellent work ethic who appreciates cleanliness and details. We need a talented individual with excellent communication skills who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, we need someone with the following:

• High School Diploma and 1+ years of experience in an agriculture setting or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.
• Competence utilizing current computer technology, i.e., Windows - Excel/Word/PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to prioritize multiple activities and tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills; must be able to work effectively with a diverse clientele.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Will be expected to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends as job functions require.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Helpful qualifications include:

• Comfort in a loud, wet, and often chaotic environment.
• Ability to work clean and work with loud machinery.
• Experience working in wine production.

This is a four-month appointment (39 hours/week) with possible extension depending on funding and performance. This position will be located in Geneva, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $22.98/hour.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.