Quality Assurance Lab Intern at Bronco Wine Co. in Ceres, CA

QUALITY ASSURANCE LAB INTERN Seasonal · Location: Ceres, CA, US About the job The Role This position will report to: Quality Assurance Laboratory Supervisor Shift: 1st Employment Category: Seasonal FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay Range: $18.00/HR - $25.00/HR Onsite Position Bronco Wine Company founded in 1973, our family-owned company strives to continue and improve upon being vertically integrated, from the vineyard to the table, focusing on crafting quality wines for every table. Our family’s resilience and sustained growth will continue to be fostered through stewardship of family, valued employees, respected partners, and future generations. JOB STATEMENT: The Quality Assurance Lab Intern supports winery quality and laboratory operations through hands-on participation in harvest, production, and quality control activities. This internship provides practical experience in analytical testing, laboratory operations, quality systems, and winery production processes. The position is ideal for students or recent graduates pursuing careers in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Enology, Viticulture, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related scientific disciplines. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Assist with routine laboratory testing of grapes, juice, wine, water, and production samples. • Support sample collection, preparation, organization, and testing throughout harvest and production operations. • Perform analytical testing under supervision and accurately record results in laboratory databases and records. • Monitor fermentation progress and assist with harvest-related data collection, entry, and reporting. • Support quality verification activities during production, including sampling, inspections, and documentation review. • Participate in sensory evaluations and wine tastings to support quality assessment activities. • Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and inventory during peak harvest and production periods. • Assist with calibration, verification, and maintenance of laboratory and test stand equipment. • Support investigation, trending, and reporting of quality data as assigned. • Assist with special projects, research activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Participate in cross-functional activities with Quality Assurance, Winemaking, Cellar, and Production teams. • Attend training sessions and shadow Laboratory, Quality, and Winemaking personnel to gain exposure to winery operations. • Follow all winery Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), food safety requirements, OSHA regulations, and safety protocols. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education/Experience: • Currently pursuing or recently completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field • Prior internship, clerical, campus, or office experience preferred but not required • Basic to intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook • Exposure to accounting or ERP systems is helpful but not required • Familiarity with process mapping or workflow documentation tools such as Lucid chart is preferred. • Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills. • Comfortable working in both office and production environments. • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn. Preferred Qualifications: • Previous winery, laboratory, cellar, harvest, or food manufacturing experience. • Familiarity with basic analytical laboratory techniques and equipment. • Understanding of quality systems, food safety principles, or laboratory best practices. • Experience with sensory evaluation or wine tasting is a plus. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. • Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work for extended periods throughout the workday. • Ability to work in wet, hot, cold, dusty, and outdoor environments. • Ability to safely ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, and elevated work areas using three-point contact. • Comfortable working around production equipment, chemicals, forklifts, and laboratory instrumentation. • Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays during harvest. HOURS AND WORKDAYS: • Internship duration: July through December 2026. • Work schedule and hours will be determined based on business needs and harvest requirements. • Availability throughout the full internship period is required. WORK ENVIRONMENT:  • Combination of laboratory, production facility, warehouse, cellar, and outdoor work environments. • Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and harvest-related production activities. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:  Required PPE may include: • Safety glasses • High-visibility safety vest • Hearing protection • Protective gloves as required • Appropriate closed-toe safety footwear • Additional PPE as required by specific tasks or work areas EEO STATEMENT:  Bronco Wine Company is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic safeguarded by law. We are committed to cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Reasonable Accommodations: We will provide reasonable accommodation to assist individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions. If you wish to apply for a position at Bronco Wine Company and require special assistance during the application process, or if you believe you do not meet the necessary qualifications for a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to discuss potential accommodations, please reach out to our Human Resources at HR@broncowine.com for further assistance or guidance. Recruitment Agencies Bronco Wine Company does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bronco Wine Company is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.