Cellar Operator

Vermont Hard Cider Company • Middlebury, VT

2d

About The Position

The Cellar Operator supports production of high-quality beverages through fermentation, blending, sanitation, ingredient additions, sampling, equipment operation, and documentation. The role follows strict safety, quality, and food safety standards and contributes to production schedules and changeovers. The position is on the first shift, Monday through Thursday, working four 10-hour shifts and enjoying a three-day weekend each week. Pay is $19.00–$27.00 per hour, based on skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic math, reading, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to follow recipes, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to learn cellar operations, fermentation, blending, and sanitation processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, walk, bend, climb, and move throughout the shift.
• Ability to work around tanks, hoses, ladders, moving equipment, and sanitation chemicals, wear required PPE, and work safely in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Beverage, food, or manufacturing experience.
• CIP and sanitation experience.
• Forklift certification.
• Mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform CIP and COP cleaning and sanitation procedures.
• Build fermentation batches and beverage blends according to recipes and customer specifications.
• Add ingredients accurately and verify materials.
• Collect and deliver samples to Quality Control.
• Maintain clean, organized cellar and production areas.
• Complete production records, cleaning logs, and traceability documentation.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Identify and report equipment, quality, and safety concerns.
• Support changeovers, allergen controls, and production schedules.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off starting at three weeks in the first year.
• Up to 10 paid holidays annually.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Monthly product allowance.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Wellness and employee appreciation programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED