What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cheesemaker position at Carmel Valley Creamery?
Job Overview
Our growing micro-creamery in Carmel Valley specializes in fresh, bloomy, and aged cheeses created in the artisanal tradition. As we prepare to expand our operations, we're seeking a dedicated cheesemaker to join our team. While experience in cheese production is preferred, we are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates passion, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. A pasteurization license will be required for this position – if you don't currently hold one, you must be willing to obtain it.
Pay can be negotiated depending on experience.
Duties
- Execute complete cheese-making processes, including milk pasteurization
- Follow and help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Perform technical quality control throughout production, including pH monitoring and recording and evaluation of curd formation using flocculation method
- Maintain detailed production records and documentation
- Conduct brining/salting processes
- Assist with affinage (cheese aging) work
- Handle cheese wrapping and packaging
- Maintain rigorous cleaning and sanitation protocols
- If you don't love cleaning, this isn't the job for you - seriously, you'll clean more than you'll make cheese!
- Physical work includes lifting heavy milk buckets, scrubbing, sanitizing, and more scrubbing (did we mention cleaning?)
- Repetitive tasks requiring consistent attention to detail
Requirements
- Reliable transportation and ability to arrive on time for early morning shifts
- Physical stamina to work 7-10 hour shifts and lift 50 lbs
- Ability to work weekends and full-day shifts
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to following procedures exactly
- Must be comfortable with extensive cleaning and sanitizing duties
- Willingness to obtain pasteurization license if not already certified
- Basic understanding of food safety principles
- Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records
- Reliable and consistent work ethic
Preferred
- Experience in cheese making or related food production
- Knowledge of French cheese varieties and traditions
- Current pasteurization license
- Experience using pH meters and monitoring fermentation
- Background in food science or dairy production
- Understanding of HACCP principles
- Experience with affinage (cheese aging)
- Previous work with artisanal or small-batch food production
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Expected hours: 14 – 20 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $35