Cellar Assistant

Cellar Assistant

Highpoint Cider is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated individual to join our cider production team in Victor, Idaho (Teton Valley) to pursue an engaging and purposeful career in the cider trade.

Highpoint Cider has been crafting the highest quality ciders with integrity, passion, and dedication since 2018. We began in our living room in Jackson, WY, and have since built a 10,000 sqft production facility in Victor, ID, with multi-state wholesale distribution. We are a healthy, fast-growing cider company, and this position works in our production facility.

The Cellar Assistant serves in a core production role for cidery operations and is considered apprentice level for the cider trade. This position develops a clear understanding of the production process from juice to package. When fully trained, the Cellar Assistant is responsible for fermentation management, cellar operations, clarification and stabilization, and quality control, upholding the standards of quality and excellence at Highpoint Cider.

We foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning. Advancement opportunities always exist, and growth is fostered. We encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. We offer equitable pay and strive to reward excellence.

We believe a truly inspiring and diverse place to work is a must. We want you to join our team of passionate self-starters who believe the world is full of untapped opportunities. Differing perspectives lead to challenging the expected, which fosters innovation and progression of our craft.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Cellar and fermentation

• Execute cellar procedures including tank additions (nutrients, enzymes, fining agents, SO2), racking, transfers, and blending
• Monitor and log fermentations: gravity, temperature, pH, and other readings on schedule
• Clarification and stabilization prep; centrifuge and flash pasteurizer operation
• Prepare finished cider in bright tanks for packaging runs
• Automated and manual cleaning and sanitation of fermenters, bright tanks, hoses, pumps, and cellar equipment (CIP)
• Keep cellar workstations and material storage clean and organized to reflect the Highpoint brand

Quality control and lab

• Perform lab analysis (pH, TA, free SO2, gravity, sensory) and record results
• Follow, write, and revise Standard Operating Procedures
• Complete all required food safety and sanitation records
• Support product development, pilot batches, and trials

Compliance and inventory

• Monthly audits of bulk and packaged cider inventories and record keeping
• Maintain production records required for TTB compliance
• Log and track ingredient and material usage
• Receive incoming juice, concentrate, adjuncts, and process materials; inspect for damage and verify against packing lists and purchase orders

Team and facility

• Work independently and with the Highpoint team; plan, coordinate, and monitor your own workflow
• Assist packaging runs as needed, including physically assisting with operation of the canning line
• Perform minor preventative and corrective maintenance on cellar equipment; equipment-specific training will be provided
• Attend requisite meetings including safety breakouts, quarterly meetings, and daily shift meetings
• Perform all assignments safely and participate in safety improvement discussions
• Expected to be trained on multiple pieces of equipment and to assist in training others
• Help out with all other duties as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions and prioritize to successfully complete multiple tasks
• Desire to employ a Safety-First approach
• Willingness to work flexible schedules to meet deadlines
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Eager to learn and enjoy working with others
• Previous professional experience in beverage production, winemaking, or brewing is great, not required. We're happy to train you.
• Comfortable with basic math and chemistry (measurements, additions, dilutions); ability to understand, read, analyze, and interpret data
• Must be able to effectively manage time and work through task lists to completion
• Basic computer literacy needed; we'll train you on the software tools we use to manage workflow
• Analyze and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of circumstances
• Mental flexibility: we're always improving and reinventing processes. Change can be expected. New ideas are always encouraged and explored.
• Serious about delivering results, with pride in a proven track record
• As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to provide consent to complete a background check

Requirements and Work Environment

• At least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Full mobility and physical capability to safely and effectively work in a cidery, including:
• Sitting or standing up to 10 hours per shift
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb
• Manual manipulation of small parts and all equipment necessary to the job
• Lifting up to 55 pounds to shoulder height repetitively
• Ability to maneuver 150 lbs (full kegs)
• Working in often hot, wet, cold, and humid conditions, including work with caustic and acid cleaning chemicals (PPE provided)
• Regular use of hands; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders; grip and manual dexterity

Benefits and Compensation

Highpoint Cider offers industry-competitive wages along with the following benefits:

• $18–22 per hour D.O.E.
• Medical insurance (health, dental, vision)
• Discounts at Highpoint Cider
• Cider stipend!
• Highpoint merchandise and swag

Highpoint Cider is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from candidates of all backgrounds, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic.

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person