Creamery Assistant – Artisan Cheese Production (Training Provided)

Idyll Farms; Northport (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Job summary

Idyll Farms, a 500-acre regenerative goat dairy and creamery located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Northport, Michigan, is seeking a full-time Creamery Assistant. You will help in daily cheese production, packaging, and distribution while upholding strict food safety standards.

The role requires attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and with a team. Prior experience is not required, but familiarity with commercial food production is a plus, and a valid

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• 0–2 years of food industry experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication skills and team-oriented mindset.
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cheese production processes including ladling, salting, flipping, painting, and weighing cheeses.
• Package and label cheeses according to production standards.
• Clean and sanitize all areas of the creamery, including floors, walls, ceilings, vats, molds, utensils, and surfaces.
• Safely handle cleaning chemicals in accordance with SSOPs.
• Follow all SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, and company policies to ensure food safety compliance.
• Maintain accurate production and sanitation records.
• Assist with cheese deliveries to wholesale and distributor facilities.
• Support farm tours, farmers markets, and on-site sales as needed.
• Work independently and collaboratively to meet production deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Follow instructions

Communication skills

Team-oriented

Food safety basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be part of a world-class, award-winning, farmstead G.O.A.T. Creamery team located at one of the most beautiful places on earth — Idyll Farms.

Idyll Farms is seeking a full-time Creamery Assistant to support daily creamery operations. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, sanitary production environment and assisting in artisan cheese production, packaging, and distribution.

While prior creamery experience is not required, experience in commercial food production, dairy processing, or manufacturing is a plus. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, eager to learn, and committed to maintaining high food safety and quality standards.

Idyll Farms is a 500-acre regenerative goat dairy and creamery located on the pristine shores of Lake Michigan in Northport, Michigan.

At Idyll Farms, we raise Certified Humane® Alpine goats on rotationally grazed pastures rich in Great Lakes terroir. Our regenerative approach naturally rebuilds soil health, increases biodiversity, and sequesters carbon—resulting in both environmental impact and exceptional milk quality.

This milk is transformed into small-batch, cave-aged cheeses that have won many national and international awards, including multiple medals at the World Cheese Awards. Our cheeses are a true expression of place, crafted with reverence for the land, the animals, and time-honored techniques.

Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Assist in cheese production processes including ladling, salting, flipping, painting, and weighing cheeses
• Package and label cheeses according to production standards
• Clean and sanitize all areas of the creamery, including floors, walls, ceilings, vats, molds, utensils, and surfaces
• Safely handle cleaning chemicals in accordance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs)
• Follow all SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, and company policies to ensure food safety compliance
• Maintain accurate production and sanitation records
• Assist with cheese deliveries to wholesale and distributor facilities
• Support farm tours, farmers markets, and on-site sales as needed
• Work independently and collaboratively to meet production deadlines

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license required
• 0–2 years of food industry experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong communication skills and team-oriented mindset
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards preferred

Physical Requirements (This is an active, hands-on role):

• Regular lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Extended standing and movement in production environments.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment and sanitation chemicals.

Benefits Offered:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance

Idyll Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time