Cidermaker / Production Technician

Cidermaker / Production Technician Ponderosa Cider Co. | Auburn, California Pay: $20-$25 per hour, depending on experience Schedule: Year-round, primarily Monday–Friday, approximately 25–40 hours per week Employment Type: Regular, hourly, nonexempt About Ponderosa Cider Co. Ponderosa Cider Co. is an independently owned craft cidery located in Auburn, California. We produce a diverse range of hard ciders, from traditional dry styles to innovative fruit-forward blends. We're a small, hands-on production team looking for an experienced production professional with a background in commercial brewing, cidermaking, or winemaking who enjoys being involved in every stage of the production process. About the Position We're looking for a reliable, detail-oriented production professional to work directly under our Head Cidermaker. This is a hands-on role involving all aspects of cider production, including fermentation, sanitation, transfers, filtration, blending, carbonation, and packaging. You'll be responsible for carrying out assigned production tasks independently once trained on our equipment and procedures, while working closely with the Head Cidermaker on production planning, technical decisions, and quality control. We're a small operation, so everyone participates in everything, from cleaning tanks to packaging finished cider. The right candidate takes pride in both the technical and physical aspects of beverage production. Key Responsibilities Clean, sanitize, and maintain tanks, hoses, pumps, production equipment, and work areas. Prepare equipment and materials for fermentation, transfers, filtration, and packaging. Assist with fermentation preparation, yeast handling, nutrient additions, and fermentation monitoring. Perform cider transfers, filtration, carbonation, and blending according to established production procedures. Operate and assist with all aspects of packaging, including canning, kegging, bottling, labeling, and packaging preparation and cleanup. Collect samples and perform routine quality-control measurements, including specific gravity, pH, and other production checks. Maintain accurate production records, equipment logs, and inventory information. Identify and communicate production or equipment issues and assist with troubleshooting. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment. Assist with ingredient preparation, inventory management, and general cellar operations. Perform other production-related duties as needed. Qualifications At least one year of hands-on professional production experience in a commercial brewery, cidery, or winery. Working knowledge of fermentation and cellar production processes. Experience operating production equipment, including pumps, tanks, and hoses. Understanding of cleaning, sanitation, and safe food and beverage production practices. Ability to follow written production procedures, accurately measure ingredients, and maintain detailed records. Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to troubleshoot equipment issues. Ability to carry out assigned tasks independently after training while communicating effectively with the Head Cidermaker. Strong attention to detail, dependability, and willingness to perform physically demanding production work. Physical Requirements This is an active, physically demanding production position. Duties include working in a wet production environment, standing and walking for extended periods, bending, climbing, and handling production materials and equipment. The position requires regular lifting and moving of materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or equipment available when appropriate. Schedule and Compensation This is a regular, year-round position with weekly hours that fluctuate based on production needs. Approximately 25–40 hours per week, typically averaging around 32 hours. Primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional scheduling adjustments as production requires. $20- $25 per hour, depen…

View the full posting and apply