Cider Maker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Farmstrong Cider Company (http://farmstrongcider.com/)

  Armstrong, British Columbia

Farmstrong Cider Company is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, permanent role as Cider Maker. Farmstrong Cider Company is a relatively new cidery that is in the early stages of significant growth. Farmstrong offers a unique site on an orchard property, housing a restored heritage barn for customers to visit and sample their varieties of cider. The cidery is located just minutes from the town of Armstrong in the North Okanagan. The company culture fosters a positive outlook, we are conscientious, reliable, authentic and most importantly we have a sense of humour. We are respectful to everyone, honest, transparent and have a keen passion for farming. We wake up everyday to work hard, do our best and are grateful for the experiences and people that cider has given us.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of shaping a young cidery and work with a dynamic and passionate team. This position reports to the cider house owner and will provide an opportunity to manage all aspects of cider making, create a high-quality product and also play a leadership role during harvest.

Duties of this position will include but not be limited to:

• Performing cellar activities such as pressing, racking, blending, filtration, bottling and packaging.
• Take part in all harvest activities, including orchard maintenance, pressing, and fermentation.
• Must be able to follow and create very specific formulas for cider making. The cider maker must work with upper management and cider house owner to make decisions about new products and the type of packaging that is being used for the product.
• A cider maker must be able to undertake a sensory evaluate of the cider- its appearance, aromas, flavours, body and finish.
• Must maintain quality assurance throughout the cider making process.
• Maintain the cellar to the highest degree of cleanliness and sanitation at all times.
• Assist with the cellar maintenance program. This includes maintaining all equipment associated with cider production and utilizing and continually updating a maintenance log.
• Maintain an inventory of raw materials, cellar supplies and bottling components.
• Supervise Harvest Staff.
• Assist with the cellar health and safety program. Monitor and maintain and comply with a HACCP program.
• Willingness to participate in events or responsibilities to promote the ciders or the company when cellar is not requiring his/her presence

Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum class 5 driver’s license and transportation to and from work.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends when necessary, particularly during harvest.
• Able to lift 50 pounds, work in inclement weather, at heights, within confined spaces, and work on their feet for long periods of time in physically demanding conditions.
• Must have a high level of organization, good communication skills, good problem-solving skills, works well under pressure, be willing to learn new skills, be passionate and curious for everything relating to cider including manufacturing processes, cider styles, and cider flavours
• Able to follow Standard Operating Procedures and provide suggestions for improvement when possible.
• Preference to candidates with forklift or tractor proficiency.
• Strong preference to candidates with a cider or wine making background with 2-5 years experience in related field.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise legally able to work long term within Canada.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and education.

Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]