Affineur/Cheesemaker

Summary/Objective

This position is responsible for producing cheese from raw materials and managing the aging process through the caves to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to established procedures. The role supports both cheesemaking and affinage functions while ensuring all processes are followed safely and efficiently.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Affinage Responsibilities

Perform daily aging (affinage) tasks independently and/or as part of a team;

Hoop and de-hoop cheese;

Salt, flip, perforate, wax, and box cheese as required;

Remove plexi-glass bases and prepare cheese for continued aging;

Monitor product condition and follow standard aging processes and timelines;

Complete weekly and monthly cleaning duties within the caves and related areas;

Restock materials used in the aging process.

Sanitation and Cross-Functional Support

Prepare racks, hoops, and equipment for daily use using sanitizing equipment and 3-well sinks;

Assist in cheesemaking or other production activities as needed;

Ensure all work areas meet food safety, sanitation, and quality standards at all times

Cheesemaking Responsibilities

Lead cheesemaking procedures in Cheddar or Blue make facilities;

Maintain the highest sanitary conditions within the production environment;

Coordinate with milk receiver to ensure proper volume and temperature of milk transfer;

Calculate and measure materials required for each cheesemake;

Record consumables and qualitative measurements on corresponding make sheets;

Follow standard cheesemaking procedures through the entire production process;

Clean and sanitize equipment and facility after each cheesemake;

Restock supplies and communicate low inventory of consumables.

Competencies

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a production environment.

Exposure to hot or cold climate frequently;

Exposure to chemical frequently;

Exposure to noise and vibration frequently;

Exposure to wet and humid conditions frequently.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties on the job, the physical demands are:

Stand – frequently;

Stoop/Bend – frequently;

Squat – frequently;

Climb Stairs or ladders – occasionally;

Reach – chest level, above or below – frequently;

Push - 325 lbs. frequently (carts and or pallets with help);

Pull - 325 lbs. frequently (carts and or pallets with help);

Lift/carry- 25 - 50 lbs. occasionally.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours vary depending on the shift and department. Overtime and weekend work is required at times. Vacation coverage as needed.

Travel

Required to travel to Cold Storage as needed.

Required Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent, or three to six months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;

1. Current Food Handlers Certificate (has up to 30 days to obtain).

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Experience working in a food manufacturing environment;
2. Basic mathematics and calculating tools;
3. Capable of operating without direct supervision;
4. Capable of following instructions.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None is required for this position. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Eligible to work in USA.

Food Safety and Product Quality

This position is responsible for supporting the food safety management system and for communicating food safety issues to the Quality Department. 

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Rogue Creamery provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the Company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.