Cellar Technician 1 - Robert Hall Winery

In the vibrant, growing wine region of Paso Robles, Robert Hall Winery stands as a pioneering estate and a recognized leader in sustainable winegrowing. Family-owned and operated, led by Jeff O'Neill, a third-generation agriculturalist, the winery carries forward a legacy of hard work, warm hospitality, and deep respect for the land. Under winemaker Amanda Gorter, Robert Hall crafts award-winning wines and made history with the first nationally distributed Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) wine. Robert Hall has also earned Certified California Sustainable, ISO 14001, and B Corp credentials. From the estate vineyard to the iconic 19,000-square-foot underground barrel cave, every bottle reflects a commitment to land, craft, and The Good Life, Shared.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Cellar Technician will assist in all phases of the wine making process, as well as care, maintenance, and sanitation of all equipment and facilities. Candidates should strive to learn something new each day, while being proactive and attentive to crafting high-end wines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Review and execute daily work orders, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on schedule
• Gauge wine tanks and record volume measurements accurately per cellar procedures
• Follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures during cellar operations, including lockout/tagout, chemical handling, and confined-space entry
• Maintain compliance with food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards throughout all cellar operations, including sanitation and documentation requirements
• Assist in the unloading of trucks at crop reception
• Make crush additions at crop reception
• Safely and effectively clean the crop reception area
• Water back fresh crushed pomace
• Rehydrate yeast and inoculate fermenters
• Make fermentation additions
• Pump over red fermenters
• Safely and effectively clean the pump-over apparatus
• Clean and sanitize general winery equipment
• Load bulk trucks as per requirements
• Mix and sample wine tanks
• Fill and empty wine barrels
• Make additions to and top wine barrels
• Operate a forklift to transport barrels, pallets, and supplies throughout the cellar and crush pad areas
• Be a Sustainability Champion: In this role, you’ll actively contribute to our mission to make the world a better place—every action, big or small, helps us achieve our sustainability goals and strengthens our commitment as a B Corp.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To fulfill this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• One to two years’ experience in the wine or related industry preferred
• Ability to work any shift 7 days a week
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Good written and verbal communication skills

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:

Our culture is built on four core values: we are forward thinkers, we bring ingenuity that never quits, we offer a handshake you can trust, and we always deliver. Together, these values shape the decisions we make and the relationships we build, defining not just how we work but who we are. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

• Regularly required to roll, move, and/or lift 60-gallon wine barrels
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, stoop, lift, lean, and squat.
• Climb stairs and ladders
• Perform some repetitive motion activities.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Operate a forklift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This is an on-site position at our Paso Robles facility.
• Work normally occurs in a wine cellar where temperatures are cool, and the noise level is usually moderate, with high levels at times.
• Ability to work indoors or outdoors in varying extremes of weather, including heat, cold, and rain
• Floors may be wet and slippery; proper footwear is required.

California Pay Transparency Notice: This position is classified as non-exempt. The base compensation range for this role is $20- $23/hour. Candidates are generally not hired at or near the maximum of the base compensation range. Final salary placement will depend on several factors, which may include the candidate’s qualifications, education, relevant experience, and alignment with current market data.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to our full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) with a company match; Paid Time Off; holidays; and more.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, discipline, and discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All employees must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider or agree to any payment of referral compensation or a recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.