Assistant Cidermaker

Trump Winery • Charlottesville, VA

12d • $24 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about fermentation, craft beverages, and hands-on production work? At Trump Winery, we’re looking for an Assistant Cidermaker to join our team and help create high-quality, orchard-driven cider. This role is perfect for someone who loves working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and wants to grow their skills in fermentation and cellar operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science, in Enology, Chemistry or a related field
• Experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the winemaking process and understanding winemaking regulatory requirements.
• Experience in all aspects of harvest, fermentation, cellar work, and winemaking analysis is preferred.
• 3+ years cellar experience in similar position
• Required to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos; to write correspondence and memos; to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to employees and managers in both English and Spanish.
• Advance math skills required
• Problem solving, reasoning, and “thinking out of the box” will be a constant requirement; in addition, applying common sense understanding to better serve employee and manger needs.
• Works on feet for eight hours a day.
• Ability to work long hours and/or seven days a week during critical times.
• Able to push, pull, carry, and lift up to 70 pounds.
• Frequently bends over, kneels, twists, reaches over head, climbs stairs, ladders, and walks varied surfaces (paved, incline, uneven, etc).
• Regularly uses close, distance, color, and peripheral vision as well as depth perception. Ability to adjust focus.
• Valid Driver’s License and Certified Forklift Certification
• Ability to read, write and speak both English and Spanish may be required in order to perform the duties of the job.
• Knowledge of computing skills (Word, Excel, Microsoft 365)
• Ability to operate all farm equipment required

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of cidermaking operations including cellar, bottling, and laboratory functions
• Maintain quality control of barrel cellar and tanks, ensuring adherence to protocols and accuracy
• Perform sensory evaluation, blending, fining, and quality control processes
• Assist with laboratory analysis, data collection, and reporting
• Maintain accurate records and assist with data entry and inventory management
• Ensure a clean, organized, and sanitized cellar environment
• Manage cellar inventory and assist with ordering supplies
• Perform cellar operations including sanitation, barrel prep and maintenance, equipment upkeep, filtration, carbonation, canning, and bottling
• Operate winery equipment including forklifts and crush equipment
• Assist with experiments and trials, including setup, monitoring, and summarizing results
• Participate in team-based production efforts with a positive, “can-do” attitude
• Work extended hours as needed during peak production periods such as harvest and bottling
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Winemaker

Benefits

• Health Coverage: We cover 80% of the employee premium on our base medical plan and 40% for dependents. Choose from low-deductible and HSA-compatible options.
• Dental & Vision: We pay 80% of dental and vision premiums to keep your care affordable.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 26 days of paid time off each year, combining vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Income Protection: Employer-paid short-term disability coverage.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Optional employee-paid Life, AD&D, and Accident plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings: After one year, receive a 100% match on the first 3% you contribute and a 50% match on the next 3%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees