Cidermaker

Cidermaker

Company Summary:

Western Cider is an apple grower and cider house based in Missoula, Montana. We aspire to create an institution rooted in great cider, good times, and a life worth living in this far-flung corner of the American West.

Learn more at westerncider.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @westerncider.

Position Overview:

The Cidermaker assists the Head Cidermaker in all aspects of cider production, packaging, and cellar operations. This role is hands-on and detail-driven, with primary responsibility for managing active fermentations and packaging to meet production demands.

Fermentation is alive and constantly changing. Success in this role requires curiosity, adaptability, strong sanitation practices, and a deep understanding of how small decisions impact the larger production picture. While some tasks are repetitive or physically demanding, the work requires consistent attention, thoughtful execution, and a mindset focused on efficiency and continuous improvement.

The Cidermaker works closely with the Head Cidermaker to keep production moving smoothly and to troubleshoot challenges as they arise.

Primary Responsibilities:

Cider Production & Cellar Operations

- Receiving and processing juice

- Inoculation of ciders

- Understanding and implementing fermentation nutrition based on individual cider needs

- Daily monitoring and management of active ferments

- Basic laboratory analysis

- Racking and transferring juice and cider

- Troubleshooting fermentation issues when necessary

Filtration, Carbonation & Packaging

- Operation, cleaning, and maintenance of filtration systems

- Force carbonation and preparation of ciders for packaging

- Packaging ciders in cans, kegs, and bottles

- Barrel filling, emptying, and monitoring

- Managing lab records and organizing files within Google Drive

-Safely using and managing chemicals related to cleaning and sanitation

Experience & Requirements

- Basic understanding of chemistry and physics as they relate to fermentation, cleaning, sanitation, carbonation, and fluid movement

- Comfort working with Google Drive tools (Docs, Sheets, file organization, shared folders)

- Strong interest in fermentation, food & beverage production, or related hands-on work

- No specific cider production experience required — training will be provided

- Willingness to learn, ask questions, and follow established procedures while developing independent judgment

Preferred (But Not Required)

- Prior experience in fermentation, brewing, winemaking, food production, agriculture, or a related field

- Familiarity with basic lab practices, including sanitation, measurements, and recordkeeping

- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with pumps, hoses, valves, and production equipment

- Forklift or pallet jack experience

- Experience working in a production environment where cleanliness, safety, and efficiency matter

Training & Growth Path

This role is designed to grow with the right person.

You’ll receive hands-on training in Western Cider’s production methods, cellar practices, sanitation standards, and packaging processes. As experience and trust build, responsibilities will expand to include increased ownership over fermentations, production planning, troubleshooting, and process improvement.

For motivated candidates, there is a clear path toward deeper technical responsibility, specialization (fermentation, packaging, barrels, lab work), and long-term advancement within the production team as the company grows.

Total Compensation

- Competitive hourly wage, commensurate with experience

- Access to our company health plan

- Paid Time Off

- Paid Holidays

- IRA matching

- Free cider

- Company merchandise

- Annual boot and work clothes stipend

- Paid training and opportunities for long-term growth

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25