Sensory Assistant

GALLO; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GALLO in Modesto, CA is seeking a Laboratory Sensory Support Technician to assist the sensory evaluation process, bench tastings, and training events, including sample prep and data-collection setup. You will maintain the sensory lab, prepare ballots, and ensure accurate entry of results into SIMS and Excel.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, valid driver's license, ability to lift 50 pounds, and Excel/Word skills; associates degree in Chemistry or related field plus lab experience is

Qualifications

• High school diploma or State-issued equivalency certificate.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record; travel up to 5%.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.
• MS Word and Excel at an intermediate level.
• Must be at least 18 years old and 21 for certain tasks.
• 1 year of laboratory experience; or High School diploma plus 3 years lab work.
• Experience in food and beverage industry is a plus.
• Experience operating laboratory machinery is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support sensory evaluation by preparing samples and data-collection materials.
• Set up bench tastings and create sample labels for testing.
• Build sensory ballots and enter results into SIMS and Excel.
• Prepare samples for analytical analysis and prevent contamination.
• Maintain sensory laboratory supplies, aroma references, and cleanliness.
• Coordinate weekly pickup/recycling and assist panel leaders as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

MS Word

Excel

Valid driver's license

Reliable vehicle

Willingness to travel

Safety awareness

Education

Associate of Science in Chemistry

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

SIMS

Job description

Job Req ID:107613

Job Type:Full-time

Work Category:Onsite,

Application Close Date: 10/09/2026

Sponsorship:Not Available

Compensation: $21.01- $28.32

Gallo Privacy Policy

We are GALLO

We're a family-owned company with a 90+ year legacy, that's consistently recognized as a Glassdoor "Best Places to Work." We have130+ brands in our total alcohol beverage portfolio including wine, malt, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. We're home to the #1 wine and spirits brands in the U.S. - Barefoot Wine & High Noon and are the official sponsors of the NFL, NHL, UFC, and PGA of America.

View our Corporate Values and Mission Statement here.

A Taste of What You'll Do

Responsible for supporting the Sensory evaluation process for the discrimination panel, bench tastings, and wine-style product-guidance training events by conducting sample and room preparation. Also is responsible for general up-keep of the sensory laboratory and supply rooms

Supports sensory evaluation activities by preparing samples, data-collection materials, computers, and panel rooms for testing. Responsibilities include setting up and cleaning up bench tastings; creating and applying sample labels; building sensory ballots using data-collection software; and entering evaluation results into SIMS and Excel databases. The position also submits and prepares samples for analytical analysis using appropriate software and procedures to prevent contamination or sample loss.

The role assists Product Insight Sensory Operations training events and supports panel leaders by monitoring and tracking panelist performance. Additional responsibilities include maintaining sensory laboratory supplies, aroma references, documentation, equipment, evaluation rooms, and general laboratory cleanliness. The incumbent coordinates weekly pickup and recycling of wine and empty glass bottles, provides backup support for Sensory Technician functions, and maintains reliable, timely attendance. All work must be performed in compliance with applicable quality, environmental, safety, and laboratory-serving requirements, including PPE and COVID-19 protocols.

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or State-issued equivalency certificate.
• Candidate is required to have a valid driver's license, a safe driving record and reliable vehicle (if applicable) at the time of hire. This position will undergo a motor vehicle check (MVR) to confirm a history of safe and responsible driving. If needed, candidate must obtain the appropriate state driver's license based on the position's location within 30 days of hire.
• Required to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Required to be at least 21 years of age.
• Skilled in the use of MS Word and Excel at an intermediate level.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Required to travel to company offices, sites, and/or meeting locations for onboarding, training, meetings, and events for development, department needs, and business delivery up to 5% of the time, with or without reasonable accommodation. This may be in addition to travel requirements, if applicable, as listed in this job description.
• Required to be 18 years or older. This may be in addition to other age requirements, if applicable, as listed in this job description.

How You’ll Stand Out

• Associates of Science degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or Chemical Engineering plus

1 year of laboratory experience; OR High School diploma or State-issued equivalency certificate

plus 3 years of laboratory experience.

• Experience in food and beverage industry.
• Experience operating laboratory machines and equipment such as a dishwasher, automatic cork puller, stirring plate, etc.

Our Benefits & Perks

We are committed to providing competitive compensation, perks, and a culture that supports your well-being. Benefits depend on your work category and may include medical and dental coverage, 401k plans, profit sharing, pet insurance, company holidays, access to an employee wine shop, and more! Additional information will be provided before your first interview.

The Fine Print

• The Company does not sponsor for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future.
• We offer a broad salary range to allow for long-term growth. Actual compensation paid within the range will be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed between the entry point and middle of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors. In addition to the salary, this position may be eligible for bonuses, incentive plans, or participate in tasting room tip pools, as applicable.
• This position will be based in the location(s) specified in the job posting and requires working on-site with no telecommuting option. You will be expected to live within a commutable distance.
• It is the Company's policy for job postings to be open to internal candidates for a minimum of 5 days and to external candidates, if applicable, for a minimum of 3 days.

Gallo's policy is to afford equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and not to discriminate on the basis of race, traits associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law (including cancer and predisposing genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, familial status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), transgender status, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decision making, age, military or veteran status, domestic violence or sexual assault victim status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Nor will Gallo discriminate based on a perception that an individual has any of the foregoing characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

Gallo will comply with state and local laws prohibiting discrimination for lawful out-of-work behavior, such as off-duty use of cannabis away from the workplace (subject to federal and state law exceptions), the existence of non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites in hair, blood, urine, or other bodily fluids as determined by a drug screening test (subject to federal and state law exceptions).

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Gallo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let us know at 209.341.7000.

Gallo is enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program and will use the program to verify the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required.

E-Verify Notice

Right to Work

Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Family Medical Leave Act

USERRA Notice