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 team
? Ability to prioritize and make knowledgeable decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
? Effective multi-tasker
? Proven analytical, problem-solving, project and time management skills
? Constant 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 time
? Familiarity with EKOS, email, and Google Suite
? Strong communication, interpersonal, and team building skills
? Demonstrate leadership abilities
? Bring a positive, constructive attitude to the cellar
Preferred Requirements
? Must be 21+ years of age
? 5+ years of hands-on cidermaking or winemaking experience
? In-depth knowledge of cider apples is a plus!
? Excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
? Disciplined, with an emphasis on detail, safety, and accurate record keeping
? Ability to lift ingredients and kegs up to 55lbs and be on feet for full shifts
? Flexibility in schedule as needed to work to completion
? Ability to follow SOPs and aid in development of them
Compensation & Benefits
? Salary: $65,000-$75,000; non-exempt
? Paid time off and holidays
? Medical 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 [email protected] with “Job Application: Cidermaker” in the subject line.
