Cidermaker/ Production

Citizen Cider; Burlington, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizen Cider in Burlington, VT seeks a Cider Maker/Production Operator to manage the full cider production process, from raw materials to dispatch. The role involves pressing, fermentation, testing, and sanitation to ensure a safe, high-quality product.

You will learn and master all responsibilities in a hands-on, entry-level position with opportunities to grow. The environment can be cold and noisy, requiring practical problem-solving and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Requires attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Must be able to stand long hours and lift 50+ pounds.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Interest in sustainable operations and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing raw materials for cider production.
• Product formulation and new product development.
• Quality assurance throughout the cider making process.
• Maintain Citizen Cider Quality System.
• Product profiling and testing.
• Training and development of production staff.
• Develop production performance goals.
• Maintain equipment on the production line.

Skills

Attention to detail

Cleanliness

Arithmetic

Communication

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Physical stamina

Sustainability focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

6 months Manufacturing experience

Job description

Description

Job Title: Cider Maker/Production Operator

Department: Operations

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary or Wage Range: Competitive

Reports to: General Manager Operations

Date: 1/26/2026

Summary

A cider maker manages the cider making process from sourcing raw materials through to ensuring the product is safely dispatched. A cider maker must understand all aspects of cider production including the pressing of fruit, fermentation process, testing of cider and sanitation.

The cider maker must ensure the production process that meets food and safety requirements within the first 90 days of employment. To do well in this role, you must be very methodical to ensure the quality of cider produced is consistent. Individuals with wine making or beer making experience may already have many of the skills necessary to become a cider maker.

This is a entry-level position with the expectation to learn and become competent in all responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Duties/Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a cider maker may vary depending on the production capacity and the types of cider being produced at our facilities. The primary responsibility of a cider maker is to manage all aspects of the production process and create a high-quality product.

• Sourcing Raw Materials
• Product formulation and new product development
• Quality assurance throughout the cider making process
• Maintenance of Citizen Cider Quality System
• Product Profiling and Testing
• Training and Development
• Develop Production Performance Goals
• Maintaining equipment on the production line

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Environmental Cleaning
• TK/Line CIP
• Tanker CIP
• Yeast Pitching

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Work Environment

The work environment can be cold, wet, hot, and noisy, and employees may frequently have to work in confined spaces like fermenting vessels and tanks.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, talk, hear, use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel, push, pull, reach, crouch, kneel, crawl or bend, and perform repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrist.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs of force frequently and/or up-to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• High mental and visual attention is required for planning difficult work methods and sequences to obtain size, shape, or physical qualities of the product. AND/OR Extremely close visual attention such as making delicate adjustments to control high-speed operations to exercise very precise muscular control.

Travel required

• None

What Does Citizen Cider Offer You?

Citizen Cider is a place unlike any other. It's a place to inspire people and make an impact. We believe the best way to do that is by fostering an organization of inclusion made up of people from diverse backgrounds, where all contributions are valued and where every employee has the chance to become their best creative and professional self, alongside thoughtful individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and optimism. Sure, we work hard, but we also craft moments that allow our workplace to pause, create and connect. We encourage our team to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the work process and your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Citizen Cider is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

At Citizen Cider we celebrate diversity and embrace our differences, believing that these values add to our culture, products, and services.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

• Attention to detail
• Attentive to the work environment/cleanliness
• Arithmetic proficiency
• Can be on feet for long hours
• Comfortably lift 50+ pounds
• Good communication skills
• Motivated to work both independently and as a team
• Willingness to promote sustainable operations with a focus on product loss and energy reductions
• Mechanical aptitude strongly desired

Required Trainings

• TK/Line CIP SOP Sign Off - 30 Days
• Tanker CIP SOP Sign Off - 30 Days
• Yeast Pitch SOP Sign Off - 45 Days

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Preferred education and experience
• 6 months Manufacturing

Additional Eligibility Requirements

None