Job Posting: Assistant Winemaker, The Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA)

Job Posting: Assistant Winemaker, The Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA) has an opportunity to join a dynamic team! MCRA was created in 1957 as an instrumentality of Montgomery County and a public corporation. The MCRA has two primary functions, one is to operate self-supporting public facilities, and the other is to finance public facilities. On the operations side, the MCRA directly manages the Golf Course System (of 9 golf courses), Crossvines Winery and operates the Montgomery County Airpark.
The Assistant Winemaker will act as an integral part of the winemaking process, working in close collaboration with the Director of Winemaking (consultant, John Levenberg). The Assistant Winemaker will manage all operations in the cellar from harvest to bottle to produce premium wine – which include all aspects of the winery, crush pad operations, cellaring, lab, warehouse and vineyard, and oversight of overall wine quality and procedures throughout the winery. The position demands strong organizational skills, finely tuned senses, and a strong work ethic; being flexible and adaptive to changing priorities of management is essential. Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Winemaking Responsibilities:
Harvest
• During harvest, the Assistant Winemaker will hire and manage the interns; manage all crush and fermentation procedures; order and maintain fermentation supplies; write work orders; and document all relevant processes. There might also be vineyard responsibilities including the scouting of vineyards and vineyard sampling.
• Weigh and sort grapes before receival.
• Conduct daily pump overs; document and communicate daily progress of all fermentations.
• Assist with transferring, racking, filtering, fining, finishing, and bottling of wines.
• Manage laboratory by overseeing, documenting results, and preparing yeast inoculates.
• Provide and maintain up to date fermentation monitoring spreadsheets.
• Monitor fermentations by taste and analysis in conjunction with Director of Winemaking.
• Assist with transferring, racking, filtering, fining, finishing, and bottling of wines.
• Help oversee safety and QC in conjunction with company policy.
Year Round
• Responsible for the ongoing review, maintenance, and QC of wines.
• Maintain up to date inventory of all cased goods, fermentation supplies and basic facility maintenance items. Also orders, keeps inventory, and tracks usage of all supplies, chemicals, and equipment in winery.
• Oversees the upkeep and maintenance of winery equipment and schedules appropriate service when needed.
• Clean and sanitize winemaking equipment: tanks, pumps, hoses, filters, etc.
• Oversight in compliance of winery and OSHA safety protocols and procedures for all winery staff.
• Assist in blending trials.
• Assists with transfer in bond paperwork ensuring accurate accounting on bonded storage and transfers to aid in TTB filings. Maintains meticulous records of all winemaking activities and protocols using winery program/software.
• Help guide cellar activities during elevage, including monitoring SO2, as well as chemical and microbial stability.
• Perform other duties as required including assisting other departments as needed.
Non-Winemaking Responsibilities:
Public Relations
• The Assistant Winemaker is expected to convey Winery’s values and beliefs when asked to participate in public events.
• The Assistant Winemaker will be asked periodically to entertain/assist with winery tours, guests, and events.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Excellent verbal, oral and written communication skills.
• Interest in continuing to challenge knowledge and improve skills in all areas of wine production, including conducting experiments/trials.
• Attention to detail. Well organized and able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Must be a confident decision maker while demonstrating a commitment to excellence in every aspect of production.
• Keen problem-solving skills while being a self-starter and proactive.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaborate closely with other members of the winemaking team.
• Developed sensory evaluations skills; including the ability to detect and discriminate subtle differences in wine, such as acidity, alcohol, flaws, tannins, fruit and wood flavors.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office Suite plus experience with Wine Management System or comparable management program preferred.
• Required to lift 50 lbs occasionally. Mobility throughout winery required.
MCRA is seeking qualified applicants who reflect and understand our CORE VALUES of a Genuine Smile, Do Anything Attitude and Deliver Excellence. MCRA is a fast-paced, high-energy organization with an ambitious agenda and staff that is highly motivated. Qualified applicants may possess any combination of education and experience enabling them to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position. Preferred qualifications are: BS in Enology, Viticulture, Horticulture or Fermentation Science, or combination of related science degree and 2 or more years of wine making experience. Qualified candidates must also have excellent organizational and good verbal and written communication skills. Only candidates qualified to work in the US will be considered – MCRA will not sponsor visas.
TO APPLY: Submit your resume, salary requirement and cover letter to ksilver@mcra-md.com , or by mail to MCRA, 101 Monroe Street, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20850; Attention: Human Resources. MCRA is an equal opportunity employer.