Position Details
Organization: Washington State University
Title: Viticulture Technician 1
Full-Time
Paid position? $20.03/hour
Start Date: 12/01/2026
End Date:
Work Location: Prosser, WA, USA
On-Site
Job Description
Perform technical and scientific duties supporting viticulture and grape physiology research. Requires knowledge of viticulture techniques; proper use of farm equipment and pesticides; basic understanding of plant structure and physiological processes; basic engineering skills; ability to prepare laboratory chemicals and use techniques for determining plant chemical components and grape quality. Requires ability to maintain and operate field, greenhouse, and laboratory equipment, including but not limited to pickup trucks, tractors, sprayer and mowing equipment, pressure chamber, gas exchange system, chlorophyll meter, plant sensors, ICP-MS, C/N analyzer, spectrophotometer, refractometer, titrator, pH meter, electric power tools. Assists with instruction of temporary employees regarding field and laboratory procedures, and collection of field data. Must possess ability to understand and follow written work plans, apply precise and reproducible laboratory and field techniques, collect and compile data, enter data into spreadsheet programs, construct graphs and tables, and keep accurate and orderly records of procedures used and results.
20% – Vineyard and greenhouse cultural practices
- Monitor grapevine growth and fruit development
- Conduct grapevine pruning and harvesting
- Monitor pests and perform pest control practices
- Propagate and plant grapevines in field and greenhouse
- Organize timely winter storage of potted vines
30% – Vineyard and greenhouse research
- Collect growth, pruning, and harvest data
- Collect research data from field and greenhouse trials
- Take notes on vine growth and fruit maturity
- Enter data into computers and construct graphs and tables
- Operate and troubleshoot field and greenhouse research equipment
- Maintain research vehicles and equipment in excellent working condition
30% – Laboratory research
- Conduct grape tissue laboratory analyses
- Operate and troubleshoot laboratory research equipment
- Enter data into computers and construct graphs and tables
10% – Consultation with other scientists and stakeholders
- Obtain pertinent information dealing with current projects when working on joint projects with other scientists, students, and growers
- Attend industry meetings
10% – Perform other duties as needed
Additional requirements:
Baccalaureate Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical or agricultural sciences; OR four years of full-time experience as a Technical Farm Laborer, or equivalent; or equivalent education/experience.
Employee will be required to work during normal business hours but will also need to be available to work early or late or on weekends as situations arise.
Travel to training sessions that may be up to four hours from the home station, and occasionally require overnight stays.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must obtain a valid public applicator’s license for pesticides within 3 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate Students, Recent Graduates/Alumni
Application Instructions
Send resume and cover letter to: mkeller@wsu.edu
November 6th, 2026
Employer Contact Info
Markus Keller