Employment Opportunity - Assistant Cider Maker

 

Big Mountain Ciderworks - Our Vision:

We are offering an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing cider industry with a startup company that is well positioned to manufacture quality cider and distribute into an as-yet underserved region. We are located in NW Montana right between Flathead Lake, the largest lake west of the Mississippi, and the beautiful mountain ranges of Glacier National Park. This is a beautiful place to live and we are offering full time employment and an opportunity to share in our growth commensurate with our ability to generate sustained growth in the Midwest-and Northwest United States.

We aspire to manufacture great craft ciders and distribute it to fellow Montanans and our neighbors. We are looking for the right person to learn and implement our cider making process.

We are currently looking for an Assistant Cider Maker in our Kalispell Montana Cider House

The Assistant Cider Maker will be responsible for adhering to our safety and sanitation standards while producing the highest quality cider.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Ensuring safe and sanitary working conditions at all times

  • Daily execution of all Cider Making functions

  • Monitoring Cider Making processes

  • Innovating and collaborating regarding new products

What you’ll do:

  • Be responsible for daily management and execution of the Cider Making process while adhering to our safety, sanitation and quality standards.

  • Become competent in all Cider Making functions related to:

  • Apple processing

  • Yeast management

  • Fermentation

  • Aging

  • Cold processing

  • Packaging

  • Facility upkeep and maintenance

  • Lab analysis including performing, recording and interpreting standard Cider quality tests

  • Basic utility and process equipment troubleshooting

  • Conduct Cider House tours, tastings, other cider events

  • Manage sanitation within any assigned areas of responsibility to assure compliance with company standards and GMP goals. This includes proper sanitation of all processing equipment and general cleanliness of all process and storage areas suitable for a tour environment and to maintain a very clean environment

  • Participate in taste panels to evaluate adherence to quality and flavor targets

  • Implement complete Standard Operating Procedures for all process steps as directed by the head cider maker.

  • Ensure safe and effective operation of all process equipment, utilities, and the facility in general.

  • Safely operate forklifts as required

  • Complete other related duties and tasks as assigned. This may include support of barrel aging programs, Cider House Collection, knowledge of draft systems, and technical and operational support of our growler program, etc.

What we’re looking for:

  • Formal education in Viticulture/Enology, Brewing, Fermentation Science, or related degree (Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, etc.)

  • 1-2 years of commercial experience in cider production, winemaking or brewing with a strong passion for cider

  • Demonstrated leadership abilities, preferably in a manufacturing environment

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Self-starter, proactive - able to work independently and shows initiative to make things happen and improve results

  • An effective multi-tasker

  • Able to impact and effect positive change with a flexible, open-minded, positive approach

  • Someone with a natural attention to detail

  • Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, Process Improvement and Process Control

  • Competent in using various computer programs. Demonstrate the ability to use our selected software.

  • Support for festivals, cider dinners, wholesaler trainings, orchard events, tours and tastings

Special Demands:

  • Lift up to 75 lbs., full range of motion and ability to be on your feet and in motion for a majority of the day.

  • Packaging operations involve long days and are physically demanding

  • The ability to operate efficiently in a production cidery manufacturing environment with occasional high volume public tour route.

  • Some travel may be required in support of ingredients selection and purchasing and for media, PR, and BBC/AO training activities.

What We Offer:

  • A chance to get in on the ground level of a rapidly growing company in the fastest growing category in the United States.

  • A challenging and fun work environment.

  • Compensation includes competitive hourly base pay

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum of one year of fermented beverage production training in a mid to high volume facility or school.

  • High School diploma including computer competency

  • The ability to communicate effectively.

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Ability to work rotating shifts and adjust schedule to meet production demands

  • Ability to work both independently and with a team

  • Mechanical aptitude and creativity

  • A desire to learn

  • The desire to be diligent and circumspect in duties

To be considered for this position, please submit:

1) The completed application here

2) A cover letter and c.v, or resume that addresses all of the following:

  • Experience working with other breweries or cideries

3) Submit to:   employment@bigmountanciderworks.com

We apologize, but resumes submitted without cover letters will not be considered. This position will remain posted until filled. Please, no phone calls about this position. 

Big Mountain Ciderworks is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional Information