Press Operator

Citizen Cider; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizen Cider is seeking a Press Operator to safely run fruit pressing equipment in our Vermont production facility. You will support the Operations team to process fruit efficiently and according to quality standards, with hands-on training to master press operation, cleaning, lubrication, and sulfite additions.

As proficiency grows, opportunities may expand into additional production areas within Operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0–3 months related experience and/or training or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate fruit pressing equipment according to SOPs and production schedules.
• Monitor press operation and make routine adjustments for quality and efficiency.
• Load/unload fruit and operate related equipment as trained.
• Identify and report equipment issues to management.
• Maintain production records and share information with the Operations team.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of pressing equipment.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality-control procedures.
• Minimize product loss and optimize use of fruit, water, energy, and resources.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of presses and related equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Independent with teamwork

Willingness to promote energy savings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Department: Operations
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Salary/Wage Range: $21-25 per hour, rate based on experience
Reports to: Operations Manager

Summary/Objective

The Press Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of fruit pressing equipment used in the production of cider. This position works as part of the Operations team to ensure fruit is processed efficiently, safely, and according to established quality standards and production schedules.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, attentive to detail, comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment, and willing to learn all aspects of the pressing process. The Press Operator will receive hands‑on training and is expected to develop proficiency in press operation, equipment cleaning, lubrication, preventative maintenance, sulfite additions, and apple dumping.

As experience and proficiency increase, the employee may be trained in additional production areas and take on greater responsibility within the Operations department.

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Press Operator

• Safely operate fruit pressing equipment according to established SOPs and production schedules.
• Monitor press operation and make routine adjustments to maintain efficient production and product quality.
• Load and unload fruit and operate associated equipment as trained.
• Monitor equipment for unusual sounds, leaks, jams, or other operating issues and communicate problems to management.
• Maintain accurate production records and communicate production information to the Operations team.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of pressing equipment.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality-control procedures.
• Minimize product loss and maximize efficient use of fruit, water, energy, and other resources.

Equipment Cleaning & Sanitation

• Clean and sanitize presses, conveyors, pumps, hoses, tanks, floors, and other production equipment as required.
• Follow established cleaning and sanitation procedures and chemical‑handling requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout the production shift.

Lubrication & Preventative Maintenance

• Perform routine lubrication of equipment as trained.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities.
• Identify and report equipment issues before they become larger production or safety problems.
• Maintain tools and equipment in an organized and serviceable condition.

Sulfite Additions

• Perform sulfite additions according to established SOPs and production requirements after completing required training.
• Accurately measure and document additions.
• Follow all chemical‑handling, PPE, and safety requirements.

Apple Dumper

• Safely operate the apple dumper and associated equipment.
• Monitor the flow of fruit into the pressing process.
• Maintain proper production flow and communicate any issues with fruit quality or equipment operation.
• Assist with cleaning and sanitation of the apple dumper and surrounding work area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.
• May assist and work cooperatively with other Operations employees.
• As proficiency increases, may assist with training on specific tasks under the direction of the Operations Manager or designated trainer.

Work Environment

The work environment can be cold, wet, hot, and noisy. Employees may work around moving mechanical equipment, lift truck traffic, elevated areas, wet surfaces, fumes, and cleaning chemicals. Employees may occasionally work in or around confined spaces such as fermenting vessels and tanks.

The position requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to company safety, food safety, and sanitation procedures.

The employee must be comfortable working around production equipment and machinery and safely lifting and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds or more when required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to grasp, handle, operate, and manipulate equipment and tools.
• Ability to push, pull, reach, crouch, kneel, crawl, and bend as required.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions of the hands and wrists.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely on wet surfaces and around moving equipment.
• Ability to maintain visual and mental attention while monitoring equipment and production processes.
• Ability to recognize changes in equipment operation and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and noisy production environments.

Travel Required

None.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Citizen Cider embraces and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are as a team, the better our product can be for the people by the people.

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

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 Training

• Press OJT - 60 Days
• PM Training - 30 Days
• Sulfite SOP sign off - 30 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

• 12-24 months experience in a fruit pressing or manufacturing facility

Additional eligibility requirements

• None