Technical Specialist- Viticulture

Finger Lakes Community College is affiliated with The State University of New York (SUNY) and is currently recruiting for a Technical Specialist- Viticulture/Wine Technology.

Finger Lakes Community College offers competitive salaries, rich benefits and retirement options which include New York State Employees Retirement System, Teachers Retirement System and SUNY Optional Retirement Program.

Qualifications :

Educational Background : Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, enology, environmental science, biological science, or related field required. Will consider Associate’s degree in a viticulture and wine technology, enology, biological sciences related field with the Bachelor’s degree required prior to receiving a continuing appointment.

Experience : Two years in use and maintenance of viticulture and enology equipment preferred; working knowledge of technical winery and lab operations.

Special Skills: Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, experience in classroom laboratory preparation. Knowledge of, respect for, and successful engagement with members of other cultures or backgrounds.

General Functions :
The Technical Specialist will be responsible for the preparation of laboratory materials, care and maintenance of laboratory and winery equipment and instruments, assist in inventory, ordering, supervision of equipment and supplies, assist in instruction, demonstrations and student projects. The Technical Specialist will also assist the Chairperson, supervise work-study students, and other department staff members with assigned tasks.

Specific Responsibilities :

Overall assistance to Program Coordinator (PC) of Viticulture and Wine Technology Program and faculty

1. Work with PC to develop new procedures for instrument utilization
2. O ff campus representative (conferences: Empire Farm Days, BEV NY, EWE, etc)
3. Prepare chemical solutions, biological supplies, and culture materials for Viticulture and Science and technology classes at the Viticulture center and Geneva campus center
   1. Perform laboratory and classroom demonstrations
   2. Maintain all VIT equipment (Crusher/destemmer, presses, pumps, filters, tanks, etc), including heavy equipment( tractor, forklift, vineyard sprayer) and trailering
   3. Prepare and maintain lab and winery instrumentation
   4. Maintain chemicals and supplies/Ordering of equipment and supplies
   5. Updating SOP’s and create new ones for new procedures
   6. Enology Lab maintenance/cleanliness
4. Center vineyard maintenance (spraying, pruning, weeding, tying, etc)
   1. Truck and trailering of items (e.g. grapes, tractor, skidsteer)
   2. Hold forklift operator certificate/assist students with extra training
5. 1. Supervise and assign tasks to department work-study students.
6. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
   
   In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this job description contains only qualifications that are required, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
   
   
7. Needs to occasionally move about inside the office.
8. Constantly works in outdoor weather conditions.
9. Constantly operates a computer and other office and lab productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
10. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
11. Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds across office for various needs and up to 50 pounds during harvest season.