Cidermaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Victoria,
British Columbia
Sea Cider is a rapidly growing, certified organic farm and award-winning cider producer. Incorporated in 2004, it was borne from the founder’s desire to build a community-minded business rooted in farming. At its core, Sea Cider exists to create exceptional cider experiences and to:
- be a profitable family-owned farm
- provide high quality cider and positive experiences to its customers
- provide a safe and fulfilling work environment to its staff
- operate as a community-minded, value-driven business
Since sales began in 2007, Sea Cider has grown to nearly 40 employees with annual cider production approaching 12,000 cases and growing. Sea Cider produces several styles of cider – from traditional to innovative – which consistently win awards. Cider wholesales span Western North America. Locally, Sea Cider is known as one of the region’s top attractions, greeting visitors year round for tours and tastings. The ciderhouse is also a unique agri-chic venue for cider-centric events.
Our work culture embodies many values. We have a sense of humour and a positive outlook; we are kind, conscientious and reliable; we enjoy collaborating and learning from one another; and we are tenacious in our efforts to consistently produce award-winning cider. Other fundamental values by which we operate include:
- a respectful, service-oriented approach to everyone;
- transparency, integrity and honesty; and
- a desire for meaning and earning more than a pay cheque.
As someone on our team you live and work by these values too.
Focus of Accountability
Our Cidermakers are accountable for fermenting, clarifying, chapitalizing, blending, chilling, carbonating, testing and ensuring the organic compliance of our ciders. Cidermakers are also accountable for tank room cleaning and sanitization, and they participate regularly in production planning, orcharding and packaging line duties. In addition, the Cidermakers support the Cidermaster and Operations Team in quality management, new product development and improvements to Standard Operating Procedures.
Responsibilities
- Cidermaking – see above
- Organic Compliance – Records and reports cider-related organic compliance information, and ensures that Sea Cider’s organic status is maintained
- Information Management – Collects cider and tank room data. Reports and analyzes data against performance metrics. Keeps timely and accurate records. Ensures records are kept confidential yet accessible at all times to key team members
- Planning and Analysis – Participates in production planning and forecasting
- Standard Operating Procedures & Policies – Works in compliance with these as well as with Sea Cider’s organic certification and safety requirements. Contributes to improving standard operating procedures
- New Product Development – Participates in new product initiatives and product R&D
- Peer Training – Supports team cross training and related supervision of tank room functions
- Equipment Maintenance – Assists with preventive maintenance and repairs
- Project Management – As directed by the Operations Manager, leads new Operations initiatives
- Public Relations – When required, represents Sea Cider at promotional events. Conducts site tours for media and customers on occasion; performs public relations as required.
- Supports management, the Operations Team and other Sea Cider divisions when requested.
Requirements
This position is well suited to someone who enjoys physical work, teamwork, problem solving, working indoors and outdoors, and a variety of duties. You are excited by the opportunity to work for a community-minded, growth-oriented, farm-based cidery. You are eager to learn new skills and have prior experience – with a technical focus – in cidermaking or winemaking. In addition, the position requires:
- Education: Post secondary degree preferred (ideally in Chemistry or Oenology)
- Work experience: Professional experience as a cidermaker or winemaker
- Leadership experience: not required, but an aptitude for and an interest in acquiring these skills
- HR skills: not required, but an aptitude for and interest in acquiring skills in team collaboration as well as training and supervising colleagues
- Stakeholder relationships: The ability to build positive and effective relationships
- Communication skills, both written and oral: strong
- Software experience: competent with word processing and spreadsheet software
- Personal aptitude: a high degree of professionalism and personal accountability for completing duties and meeting targets. The ability to work well under pressure. Curiosity, great listening skills and an openness to feedback
- Work week flexibility: A willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings, to meet the needs of the business
- A desire to develop professional skills, and to train others in those skills
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license
- The ability to operate or learn how to operate a forklift and other production equipment
- The physical strength to safely and manually lift up to 25 kg daily
- A desire to work for a business that is growing and seeking to continually improve
