Barrel Cellar Operator II - EW

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Paterson (WA); On-site; USD 25,485 - 30,513; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with employer match

Employee wine discounts

Job summary

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in Paterson, WA is seeking a Barrel Cellar Operator II to support fermentation, wine processing, and packaging operations at the Columbia Crest Winery facility.

The role is full‑time, hourly, with day and night shift options and requires lifting up to 50 lbs, ability to work in varying temperatures, and forklift certification. You will assist with setting up equipment, monitor wine fermentation, manage work orders and inventory, and help with shipping/receiving while

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be 21 years of age (Alcohol).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures.
• Minimum of one year experience in wine processing or related field preferred.
• Ability to operate light mechanical equipment.
• Ability to bend, squat, stand long periods, and climb stairs, catwalks, ladders.
• Ability to work extended hours, including night shift during harvest.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must be forklift certified or able to be certified.

Responsibilities

• Assist operators in setting up equipment and monitoring wine fermentation, pumping product to tanks and barrels, chemical additions, and sanitations.
• Notify leadership of inventory or equipment shortages and support month‑end inventory.
• Operate forklift and scissor lift as required.
• Perform harvest assignments, including shoveling pomace, supporting crush pad operations, and transferring juice between tanks.
• Maintain the wine tracking system by completing work orders.
• Support shipping and receiving operations of wine and juice.
• Maintain positive relationships that encourage teamwork.

Skills

Lift 50 lbs

Varying temperatures

Forklift operation

English literacy

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Light mechanical equipment

Job description

A Barrel Cellar Operator II position is available in Paterson, WA at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE), located at the Columbia Crest Winery facility. The Barrel Cellar Worker handles work orders, safety checks, wine processing, standard reporting, wash down and cleanup, equipment maintenance, and keeps the work area orderly. This is a full‑time hourly role with day and night shift options.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the largest wine company in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest premium wine companies in the U.S. With a history dating back to 1933, we remain committed to quality, customer service, and community connection. Our award‑winning wines are produced in Oregon and Washington and distributed worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Assist operators in setting up equipment and monitoring wine fermentation, pumping product to tanks and barrels, chemical additions, and sanitations.
• Notify leadership of any inventory or equipment shortages and support month‑end inventory.
• Operate forklift and scissor lift as required.
• Perform harvest assignments, including shoveling pomace, supporting crush pad operations, and transferring juice between tanks.
• Maintain the wine tracking system by completing work orders.
• Support shipping and receiving operations of wine and juice.
• Maintain positive relationships that encourage strong communication and teamwork.

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be 21 years of age (Alcohol).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures.
• Minimum of one year experience in wine processing or a related field/industry preferred.
• Ability to operate light mechanical equipment.
• Ability to bend, squat, stand for long periods, and climb stairs, catwalks, and ladders.
• Ability to work extended hours, including night shift and during harvest periods.
• Ability to follow work orders and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must be certified or able to be certified in forklift operation.
• History of responsible use of alcohol and other appropriate conduct, as well as fitness to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies.

Compensation

Starting wage: $18.50/hr. Current wage range $17.03–$22.15/hr based on relevant experience.

Benefits

Our Total Rewards programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented, curious people with a passion for innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and growth.

• Health Care Coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription medication—eligible on the date of hire for full‑time employees.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee wine discounts.

Culture

• We Challenge: We are driven to succeed and challenge ourselves and our team to perform at the highest level.
• We Care: We put people first, including our team, consumers, customers, and communities.
• We Collaborate: We believe there is nothing we can’t accomplish together and we lift those around us to achieve collective success.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information, see the EEOC's "Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law" poster.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates participates in E‑Verify. E‑Verify is a United States Department of Homeland Security website that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/what-is-e-verify for additional information.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected Veterans. Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the "Know Your Rights" notice from the Department of Labor.