Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rachael Foad

LYNDOCH,SA

Summary

With over 16 years at Hill Smith & Son, I've honed my expertise in laboratory safety protocols and interpersonal communication, ensuring high-quality specimen processing and fostering team collaboration. My leadership in vineyard management and customer service roles highlights a track record of enhancing productivity and exceeding expectations, embodying a commitment to excellence and safety compliance.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Laboratory Technician

Hill Smith & Son
04.2008 - Current

Accumulated over 16 years of experience in wine industry laboratory.

Gained qualifications needed for effective workplace assessments.

  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
  • Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
  • Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
  • Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
  • Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
  • Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
  • Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
  • Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
  • Prepared detailed documentation for each experiment, facilitating effective communication of results to colleagues and stakeholders.

Vineyard Worker

Hill Smith & Son
04.2002 - 05.2008
  • Collaborated with fellow workers in daily tasks, fostering a positive work environment on the vineyard.
  • Took part in routine equipment maintenance and repair tasks, ensuring all machinery was kept in optimal working condition.
  • Enhanced vineyard productivity by diligently pruning, training, and thinning grapevines.
  • Adapted work processes during extreme weather events such as droughts or heatwaves to maintain overall vineyard health and productivity.
  • Cut grape vines down to single or Number canes to promote growth of new shoots.
  • Assisted in proper trellis installation and maintenance, providing optimal support for growing vines.
  • Installed and maintained trellises for proper vine development.
  • Complied with all applicable safety regulations and procedures while working on the vineyard, minimizing potential risks for oneself and fellow workers.
  • Removed weak and diseased shoots from vines to improve space and resource availability for healthy shoots to grow.
  • Helped maximize production by controlling growth and direction of plant growth with sound canopy management practices.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development workshops to stay informed about emerging viticulture techniques and technologies.
  • Assisted in the establishment of new vineyards by preparing soil, planting rootstocks, and installing irrigation systems as needed.
  • Utilized modern tools and equipment to streamline work tasks while maintaining safety standards on the job site.

Vineyard Management Company Supervisor

Flemmings Vinyard Management Services
03.1998 - 03.2002

Directed teams during grape picking operations.

Oversaw the efficient operation of pruning teams.

Oversaw vine upkeep, encompassing disbudding, trellis management, weed maintenance and pest control.

Facilitated interactions between clientele and service providers.

Customer Service Cashier

Gawler Records
09.1995 - 01.1997
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, promoting a welcoming environment for customers.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly, maintaining composure during busy periods or difficult interactions.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Processed customer orders and accurately handled payment transactions.
  • Met customer service goals and exceeded customer expectations.
  • Enabled customers to feel welcomed, important, and appreciated by answering questions about products sold throughout store.

Taheaway / Deli Assistant

Warren Carrol / Williamstown Deli
07.1993 - 01.1996
  • Assisted with training new employees on deli procedures, helping maintain a consistent level of service across all staff members.
  • Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
  • Utilized safe food handling techniques when preparing, storing, and displaying products to reduce waste and minimize risk of contamination.
  • Carefully prepared orders by slicing, weighing, and packaging cheeses and meats and accurately calculated prices.
  • Provided excellent customer service through active listening and addressing customer needs promptly.
  • Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
  • Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Education

Certificate IV - Work Place Assessor

AIM Institute SA
Adelaide, SA
08.2012

Certificate III - Laboratory Opperations

TAFE SA
SA
10.2008

Year 12 -

Nuriootpa High School
Nuriootpa, SA
11.1992

Skills

  • Laboratory safety protocols
  • Sample preparation
  • Microscopy techniques
  • Lab result interpretation
  • Lab equipment maintenance
  • Interpersonal and written communication
  • Safety compliance
  • Specimen processing
  • Chemical handling
  • Hazardous materials handling
  • Equipment calibration

Timeline

Laboratory Technician

Hill Smith & Son
04.2008 - Current

Vineyard Worker

Hill Smith & Son
04.2002 - 05.2008

Vineyard Management Company Supervisor

Flemmings Vinyard Management Services
03.1998 - 03.2002

Customer Service Cashier

Gawler Records
09.1995 - 01.1997

Taheaway / Deli Assistant

Warren Carrol / Williamstown Deli
07.1993 - 01.1996

Certificate IV - Work Place Assessor

AIM Institute SA

Certificate III - Laboratory Opperations

TAFE SA

Year 12 -

Nuriootpa High School
Rachael Foad