What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pasteurizer Technician position at Blake's Orchard, Inc.?
Who We Are & About This Role
Since 1946, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill has been a cornerstone of Michigan agriculture and agritourism — an 80-year family operation with deep roots in Armada and a genuine growth ambition. We make world-class hard and sweet cider, operate tasting rooms and retail across four locations, and host thousands of guests a year.
The Pasteurizer Technician is responsible for the operation and maintenance of sweet cider pasteurization equipment, as well as the operation, maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation of batch tanks used to produce cider, lemonades, and teas.
If you love the hum of a production floor, want to be the lynchpin that keeps our sweet cider flowing and enjoy the buzz of owning a critical part of the line — we want to hear from you.
Your Role With Blake’s - Key Responsibilities
Day to day:
- Set up and monitor the pasteurizer system
- When production orders require it, add in and blend required amounts of flavorings
- Prepare blending and holding tanks for production
- Monitor system performance of the pasteurizer and respond to out of process conditions
- Conduct and perform basic maintenance on the pasteurizer system
- Logging of all required hourly production data
- Logging of all hourly quality data as needed
- Follow all required safety and quality practices and procedures
- Adherence to projected production run times
- Have a can do attitude with ability to react quickly as issues arise or new directives are given
- Provide input during decision making process
- Conduct sanitation efforts on a daily and weekly basis with proper recordkeeping of pasteurizer and tanks
- Help to maintain 5S practices in your area
- Follow all relevant SOPs for your department
- Fill out visual board daily on required frequency with required information
- Enter liquid production information into Netsuite
- Communicate to the production team leader and plant manager issues and concerns
- Complete other tasks as assigned
- Must have ability to work flexible work hours in support of production
What Great Looks Like - Qualifications
- Required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Technical aptitude
- Ability to effectively communicate, in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Basic understanding of the principles of Production.
- Basic computer skills and use of Microsoft Office Suite or Microsoft 365
Working Conditions:
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with some periods being loud.
- Must be able to remain standing for an entire shift
- Flexibility to work off shift during summer and fall based on business needs.
- Sat & Sun – Sept & Oct – 6 days, minimum 50 hrs/wk
How You’re Rewarded - Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly rate, 401(k) with match, full health/dental/vision benefits, PTO, and all the perks of working at one of Michigan’s most beloved farms. Full details shared during the interview process.
What’s Next - How to Apply
Don’t just send a resume into a void. Reach out on LinkedIn, visit a location, try the cider — show us you want in. We can’t wait to meet the right person.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is an equal opportunity employer.