Cidermaker - Wenatchee, WA

Job Opening: Cidermaker Position: Cidermaker Company: Yonder Cider Work location: Wenatchee, WA Full Time or Part Time: Full Time, Salary non-exempt Reporting to: Director of Production/Head Cidermaker About The Position Yonder Cider is seeking a full-time Cidermaker to join our growing team! The Cidermaker executes and oversees all aspects of the blending process. In this position, the Cidermaker will be working closely with the Director of Production/Head Cidermaker and other fermentation team members to craft and maintain consistency of Yonder’s lineup of intricate ciders. This position will work with a variety of culinary apples and more than 15 varieties of cider apples, in addition to a host of other ingredients ranging from fruits and acids to herbs and flavor additions. The Cidermaker will be responsible for the execution and maintenance of a quality assurance program, proposal and creation of new ciders, and ensuring production specs are met. This position will also assist with fermentation and filtering as needed - ensuring consistency, quality and ongoing development of all fermentation programs - and at times, blending and creation of products for The Source clients. About Us We are a rapidly growing cidery based out of Wenatchee, Washington, with taprooms in Seattle and Cashmere. Established in 2020, Yonder is comprised of two operations: our consumer focused brand, and our premium juice and custom fermentation brand known as The Source Cider. Together, we press more than 4 million pounds of apples every year, working directly with orchardists, distributors and customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Yonder products are distributed throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. Picked and pressed in Wenatchee, Washington – the heart of Apple Country – we create cider that's as balanced, bright and complex as the land itself. Crafted using a blend of bittersweet cider apples and juicy dessert apples, our ciders are hardly simple, and never straightforward, but you can always count on them being interesting. Job Responsibilities The role will include, but is not limited to: Successful execution of Yonder and Source client products, including but not limited to: ○ Blending, including cider fruit additions, ingredient steeping, fruit additions, etc. ○ Carbonation of product following Yonder protocols and ensuring accurate levels ○ Ensuring product specifications are met and products are consistent batch to batch ○ Upholding the production schedule and communicating challenges as they arise ○ Working with the canning team to ensure packaging specifications and timing are met Quality Control & Assurance ○ Manage lab needs and work with the Director of Production to execute a Quality Assurance program, establishing specs for all products, testing frequency and plans for off spec products ○ Calculate precise blends to hit target profiles for acidity, sweetness, tannin, and ABV ○ Perform lab analysis and maintain rigorous standards for laboratory testing (pH, TA, free SO2, Brix, ABV) ○ Ensure absolute consistency and shelf-stability across all batches ○ Conduct regular sensory panels ○ Gather samples and assist in bench trials for additions and blends Inventory & Logistics ○ Work closely with the production team to schedule filtering, carbonation, and packaging ○ Maintain stored bulk cider quality by scheduling and executing sampling, testing and tasting ○ Track and maintain inventory of dry ingredients, fruit additions and bulk cider ○ Ongoing, consistent and accurate data input and management of EKOS (training provided) ○ Gather samples and assist in bench trials for additions and blends ○ During harvest, assist in preparing juice samples, tracking cider apple inventory, performing additions and all associated tasks Recipe Development (R&D) ○ Experiment with different apple varieties, co-ferments, botanicals, fruits ○ Execution of small batch projects, including barrel aging, bottling, unitank batches, etc. ○ Work alongside Head Cidermaker and Founder to identify new cider recipes for tasting rooms and distribution ○ Assist in development of efficient, affordable and scalable recipes ○ Responsible for relaying needed information to other departments for effective creation of state and TTB registration, labels and copy, and packaging specs for upcoming releases Assist in fermentation and filtration processes, when necessary, including but not limited to: ○ 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 Sanitation & Safety ○ Lead daily cleaning and sanitization of tanks, hoses, and transfer equipment (CIP processes) ○ Ensure Yonder’s standard of cleanliness of all production spaces is met ○ Safely operate forklift and pallet jack to move loads within warehouse ○ Responsible for proper execution of all cleaning protocols throughout the blending team ○ Ensure safety procedures are implemented and followed, as well as OSHA compliance and safe chemical handling ○ Assist in performing equipment preventative maintenance schedule, as needed ○ Maintain a pristine and orderly cellar environment Additional Expectations Ability to work independently, as well as with a teamAbility to prioritize and make knowledgeable decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentEffective multi-taskerProven analytical, problem-solving, project and time management skillsConstant communication and collaboration with appropriate team members to ensure production excellence.Attend and assist in execution of team meetings, including weekly management meetings and monthly production team meetings.Ability to continually move, lift, and manipulate up to 55 pounds, as well as stand for long periods of timeFamiliarity with EKOS, email, and Google SuiteStrong communication, interpersonal, and team building skillsDemonstrate leadership abilitiesBring a positive, constructive attitude to the cellar Preferred Requirements Must be 21+ years of age5+ years of hands-on cidermaking or winemaking experienceIn-depth knowledge of cider apples is a plus!Excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving skillsDisciplined, with an emphasis on detail, safety, and accurate record keepingAbility to lift ingredients and kegs up to 55lbs and be on feet for full shiftsFlexibility in schedule as needed to work to completionAbility to follow SOPs and aid in development of them Compensation & Benefits Salary: $65,000-$75,000; non-exemptPaid time off and holidaysMedical benefits and Simple IRA Retirement Fund with 3% matching (eligible on 1st of the month, on or following 60 days after hire)Employee discounts and cider allocation To apply for this position, please submit a resume and email cover letter to jobs@yondercider.com with “Job Application: Cidermaker” in the subject line.