Hard Cider Production Assistant

Vala's Pumpkin Patch; Gretna (NE); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Vala's Pumpkin Patch is seeking a Hard Cider Production Assistant to support the end-to-end cider production process, from pressing apples to bottling. The role involves equipment operation, quality control, and maintaining a clean production warehouse.

You will work under the Cider Production & Quality Control Manager and may assist with harvests and other duties as needed, including weekends, depending on production schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience with cider production processes incl. pressing and fermentation.
• Ability to lift 60 lbs or more and stand for long periods.
• Willing to learn equipment operation incl. skidsteer, telehandler and forklift.
• Confident self-starter; detail oriented; able to record data.

Responsibilities

• Assist pressing, fermentation, bottling and packaging.
• Monitor fermentation and assist with blending tanks and transfers.
• Maintain clean production areas and sanitation.
• Support production schedule and weekend needs as required.

Skills

Data recording

Equipment operation

Forklift

Heavy lifting

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Tools

Skidsteer

Telehandler

Forklift

Job description

Description

Located in Gretna, Nebraska, Vala's is a family owned and operated fall festival open to the public 45 to 55 days a year and is a treasured fall tradition for many families in the surrounding communities. Vala's property spans 400+ acres, including over 50 attractions, such as pick-your-own pumpkins, apples, and flowers, and over 25 food locations. Vala's Orchard Cider Co. joined the farm in 2020, crafting hard and sweet ciders served exclusively on the farm during season, as well year round with our shipping partner, Vinoshipper.

The Hard Cider Production Assistant is responsible for supporting the production process from start to finish. Reporting to the Cider Production & Quality Control Manager, the Assistant will work through all steps of the production process from pressing apples and fermentation to bottling and packing. The person in this role will develop the skills required to monitor and execute all aspects of cider production through training, experiential learning and other educational opportunities. Additionally, this position will support cleaning and sanitizing equipment, as well as maintaining a clean production warehouse. This is a part to full time position and is dependent on the production schedule set by the Cider Production & Quality Control Manager.

Requirements

• Production process including pressing apples, fermentation, bottling and packaging
• Assisting with blending tanks and barrels, tank transfers, and fermentation monitoring
• Support all record keeping processes used for quality control and production
• Learn and apply food safety and sanitation standards
• Clean and sanitize equipment and production workspaces

This job description includes essential job functions for the position. When Vala's is open to the public, other duties may include:

• Working additional days and hours as dictated by production and business needs including weekends
• Assist in the apple harvest in the fall season, as needed
• Assist in the care and maintenance of the orchard, as needed
• Assist with the sale of alcoholic beverages throughout the farm
• Stocking locations with bottles and kegs

What We're Looking For:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Confident self-starter
• Detail oriented and comfortable with recording data using computers and standard office software
• Ability to lift 60 lbs or more; this position requires lifting, equipment handling, and being on your feet for long periods of time
• Willing to learn how to safely operate equipment and vehicles, including skidsteer, telehandler and Forklift
• Ability to complete alcohol service training and uphold all policies within Vala's Orchard Cider Co.
• Brewery or Cidery experience preferred
• Experience working in an orchard or other agriculture environment a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) a plus