Sweet Rowen Farmstead’s mission is to maintain a working landscape that provides families with fresh food, supports the local economy, and upholds the ecological integrity of the environment. We are a grass-based, family-owned and operated dairy farm located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We milk a small herd of Vermont Heritage Lineback cattle, bottle gently pasteurized cream-top milk, and produce a variety of high-quality artisan cheeses. 

We are currently seeking a self-motivated, reliable, hard-working, and detail-oriented cheese-maker to direct the production and quality of our award-winning line of cheeses, and to collaborate in the expansion process of our creamery.

Job Responsibilities include:
 

Manage production in the creamery.

• Head daily cheese production, including detailed record-keeping, inventory, and equipment management. Daily make sheets, cleaning lists, pre/post production cleaning.
• Oversee all document related to cheese-making and remain in compliance with State and Federal dairy regulations through mandated and regular testing. Ensure that the creamery is fulfilling requirements of a HACCP plan.
• Make cheese, and bottle milk 4 days per week, and work with support crew to manage production days.
• Maintain consistency in the cheese and communicate directly with team about changes in procedures and production.
• Over-see crew in daily cleaning and sanitation, Good Manufacturing Practices, and other areas of food safety.
• Daily testing of cheese to determine quality and grade of each batch. This includes regular pH, moisture content, salt content.
• Manage inventory of production related ingredients and supplies.
• Manage one full time and two part time creamery employees
• Research and implement new protocols along with equipment to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Assist in cheese processing, packaging, and shipping, packing of wholesale orders.

Physical Awareness

• Dependability, attention to detail, and a strong background in safety and sanitation are essential.
• Position requires significant physical strength and endurance; candidate must be able to bend and lift 60lbs multiple times over the course of the work day.
   

SCHEDULE:

Monday: 7:00am-3:00pm

Tuesday: 5:00am – 3:00pm

Wednesday: Ensure cheese is flipped and cared for by other employees– not required to come in

Thursday: 6:00am – 5:00pm

Friday: 5:30am – 3:00pm

Saturday: Ensure cheese is flipped and cared for by other employees– not required to come in

Sunday:  Ensure cheese is flipped and cared for by other employees– not required to come in

Note: more hours can be had on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday if needed

Qualifications

We are looking for an experienced and driven cheese-maker but are willing to train the right person. More than anything we are looking for someone committed to this place and the long term goals of our farm and the local agricultural community. Candidate must be a good communicator, extremely organized, and committed to produce high quality cheese on a small Vermont dairy farm.

Intentions & Responsibilities

• Set good intentions regarding community space, outside space, and be able to share work space in a positive manner with other crew members.
• Understand and respect the mission of the farm, and the reverence it takes to make high quality cheese.