Assistant Cidermaker - Wenatchee, WA

Yonder Cider is a rapidly growing cidery based in Wenatchee, Washington—at the heart of Apple Country. We work directly with orchardists, pressing all of our own fruit to create cider that’s balanced, bright, and complex. Our ciders blend bittersweet cider apples with juicy dessert apples and are distributed throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. We operate two taprooms in Washington (Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood and Cashmere) and, via The Source Cider, provide premium juice and custom fermentation services to clients nationwide.

About the role

We’re looking for a hardworking, reliable problem-solver to join our team as an Assistant Cidermaker. This position assists and executes fermentation processes while supporting the Cidermaker in day-to-day facility operations, client needs, and production.

Responsibilities

• Execute fermentation and filtration processes, including:
  • Juice inoculations and ingredient additions
  • Operate pumps to perform transfers and racking of juice and fermented cider
  • Operate and troubleshoot the cross-flow filter; escalate issues when necessary
  • Clean and sanitize tanks, parts, and hoses before and after use
  • Monitor all ongoing fermentations; perform daily gravity checks and set temperatures according to their current state
• Assist the Cidermaker in planning the pressing schedule based on internal demand and tank availability
• Support pressing operations and the pressing lead as needed
• Maintain stored bulk cider quality by scheduling and executing sampling, testing, and tasting
• During harvest, assist in preparing juice samples, tracking cider apple inventory, performing additions, and related tasks
• Perform lab analysis of juice and cider, including pH, titratable acidity, free SO₂, etc.
• Gather samples and assist in bench trials for additions and blends
• Maintain inventory of lab reagents and fermentation ingredients
• Ensure Yonder’s standard of cleanliness in all production spaces is met
• Safely operate forklift and pallet jack to move loads within the warehouse
• Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly cidery and warehouse environment
• Support packaging equipment preventative maintenance schedule
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advance good safety practices

Requirements

• Minimum one to two years of beverage production experience
• Working knowledge of fermentation and fermentation protocols
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
• Superior time management skills and ability to multitask
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to continually move, lift, and manipulate up to 55 pounds, as well as stand for long periods

Pay

$24–$27/hour, depending on experience (position qualifies for overtime).

Benefits

• Paid time off and holidays
• Healthcare and 3% employer-matched SIMPLE IRA available after waiting period
• Employee discounts, merch, and cider allocation

Schedule

Estimated schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, with flexibility required due to shifting production needs. Overtime may be needed, including Saturdays during harvest.