Job Title: Chemist

Employment Status: Full-Time

Classification: Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional weekends

Travel: Required for training and execution of job duties

Reports to:  Technical Service Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: $65,000-75,000

Position Summary: Responsible for performing a wide range of analytical analysis on samples supplied by customers or other departments at the Napa lab facility and communication of lab results to customers.  This position is also responsible for lab equipment maintenance, inventory control, special projects, along with researching and implementing new analytical methods. The Chemist operates a variety of instrumentation/tools, computer systems to perform job functions, and participates in tests and projects as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Laboratory: Operation of gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Enzymatic equipment, automated and manual methods of wet chemistry. Develop and implement a laboratory continuous improvement Plan. Research, validate, and implement new analytical methods as required.  Ensure that all information related to methods is contained in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)and is written in a logical and understandable manner.

• Collaboration: Responsible for communicating and collaborating effectively with many areas within the company. Support the Gusmer Fermentation Center with sample testing, equipment maintenance, and other R&D responsibilities. Cooperate with other facilities, and customers in problem resolution and continuous improvement.  Work with minimum supervision takes initiative; provides direction/leadership to team on problem solving, work prioritization, process improvements, and in other areas.

• Standard Operating Procedures: Ensure that all equipment is maintained and operational and that preventative maintenance is performed according to SOP guidelines. Oversee the performance of various tests conducted on samples supplied by customers or other departments, ensure that samples are properly logged into applicable software and that tests are performed according to SOP guidelines, ensure that tests are completed in a timely manner and actively participate in conducting tests when needed.

Other Duties

• Assist in establishing specifications, validation of assays, along with developing and writing SOPs.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for analytical quality.
• Become and remain knowledgeable in beverage chemistry including the newest methods and scientific findings.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities.  These items may change or new items may be assigned with or without notice.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, food science, biology, process technology, quality assurance, enology, or related field, plus four years professional lab experience in food/beverage/alcohol industry.
• Or a minimum of seven years professional lab experience in the food/beverage/alcohol industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess or acquire Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Certification.
• Advanced experience with Excel pivot tables, charts, WMS (site specific) Instrument software, Intelex, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) Required

• Ability to write clear and concise instructions and communicate with proficiency.
• Superior analytical skills and as appropriate, quality assurance experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledgeable in general alcoholic beverage production processes preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in an organized manner.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and perform advanced mathematics.
• Ability to use computer programs and technology.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while meeting project deadlines.

Other Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Modified “light duty” restrictions may be arranged

as needed and when available for job-related injuries or illnesses.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk on normal and

uneven surfaces and sit; use hands for writing and keyboarding; lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The employee is occasionally required to lift, carry, and push up to 25 pounds; stand, stoop, and bend.  The employee is required to use a ladder or boom lift to reach high areas for performing work. The employee may occasionally encounter uneven and/or slippery surfaces when in warehouse. Driving will be required on occasion.

Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Acute hearing is necessary for telephone and in-person communication with customers and fellow employees, and visual acuity sufficient to read a computer screen and paper documents.

Working Conditions

This position typically functions in a business environment with occasional trips into the warehouse.  There will be exposure to moderate noise levels, fumes, dust, chemicals, heat/cold and allergens especially in warehouse environment.

EEO Policy Statement:

Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  Gusmer will also consider requests for reasonable accommodations made by applicants and employees on an individualized basis, including those based on disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, where such accommodations do not impose an undue burden on the business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.