Company description

Our farm cultivates a diverse variety of crops including vegetables, flowers, fruits, olives, mushrooms, eggs, value-added products, and also has a diversity of livestock.

Job description

Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Dairy Producer / Farm Kitchen Assistant to join our small private organic farm. Our farm cultivates a diverse variety of crops including vegetables, flowers, fruits, olives, mushrooms, eggs, value-added products, and also has a diversity of livestock. The ideal candidate will have a passion for organic farming, dairy production, and food preservation with a focus on creating high-quality cheeses and other dairy products. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in all aspects of dairy production, from milking the cows and sheep to crafting delicious cheese, yogurt, and other dairy specialties. Our employees must exercise good judgment and discretion in handling confidential matters. They will honor and uphold the privacy of the property owners, the ranch residents and additionally they will pride themselves with integrity and honesty.

The Artisanal Dairy Producer / Farm Kitchen Assistant will report to the Kitchen Manager and will also work closely with the Culinary Director and the Ranch Director to clarify weekly and daily schedules and intentions. 

Key Responsibilities:

Primary Duties:

• Produce a variety of dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, kefir, butter, sour cream, and more.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures throughout the dairy production process.
• Closely monitor each step of the production process to ensure the quality and safety of the products, often conducting regular testing and inspections to maintain high standards.
• Assist in product development, recipe formulation, and innovation of new dairy items.
• Manage inventory and storage of dairy products, ensuring proper labeling and organization.
• Support with the milking of cows and sheep and assist the farm team in ensuring the animal’s health and well-being.
• Implement and maintain hygiene measures throughout the dairy production process. 
• Assist in maintaining the dairy facility and the production kitchen in accordance with the high sanitation standards of our culinary team.  
• Maintain equipment and adhere to regular cleaning schedules to ensure optimal operation and safety
• Keep accurate records of milk production and products made.
• Train and mentor staff or interns in dairy production techniques to support our collaborative work structure. 

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Help make staff lunches using farm ingredients.
• Support the existing fermentation arts, pickling, and food processing program of the farm kitchen.
• Assist in the development of further kitchen programs, such as a bread and baking program as it evolves.
• Help perform equipment checks and report any issues to the management team and maintenance teams.
• Driving errands as necessary to support the team.
• Help out with the overall upkeep and presentation of the farm and ranch on occasion.
• Assist with various other farm-related duties, such as planting, harvesting, animal care, or other seasonal tasks on occasion.  

 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Previous experience in dairy production or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of organic farming practices is a plus.
• Understanding of food safety regulations, such as HACCP & GMP, and experience developing and implementing food safety programs.
• Knowledge of chemistry and microbiology.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills including including professional and prompt email and text correspondences
• Physical ability to perform tasks that may include lifting and working long hours in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work with constant deadlines and changing priorities while maintaining the ability to gracefully accept direct feedback.
• Must be authorized to work legally in the United States
• Willingness to submit to an in-depth background investigation after a conditional employment offer is made
• Compliance with the company COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
• <meta charset="UTF-8" />Possess valid unrestricted driver’s license and adequate vehicle insurance coverage, because driving is a component of the job duties.

Benefits:

• Paid vacation and paid sick leave
• Matching 401k up to 6%
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life and disability Insurance
• Daily farm lunches
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Uniforms and laundry services provided

 

Application Process:

This is a year-round, full time regular position. The anticipated salary range for this position is $38-$42 on an hourly basis.  There are also the above mentioned benefits offered as part of the compensation package.

Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range.  The salary will ultimately be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic location. The company  in good faith believes that the posted compensation range is accurate for these roles at these  locations at the time of this posting. The ranges may be modified in the future.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

January 22, 2025