Company description

Marchant Manor Cheese www.marchantmanor.com is a new artisan cheesemaker in Ohio. Run by a passionate doctor-turned-cheesemaker, we are focused on producing delectable, hand-made artisanal triple cream cheeses from Amish Guernsey cow and goat milk. We make cheeses at an Amish Dairy in Stark County, approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland. We are opening a retail and educational location in Cleveland Heights, Ohio that will sell our cheeses, as well as other artisanal cheeses and provide cheesemaking mentorship to the community. Future cheesemaking plans include a terroir concept with sourcing of milk from unique cow and goat breeds to make a full line of fresh, aged, soft and hard cheeses.

Job description

ASSISTANT CHEESEMAKER

Marchant Manor Cheese

Marchant Manor Cheese www.marchantmanor.com is hiring an assistant cheesesmaker.

The Assistant Cheesemaker is currently a part-time position and will be involved in cheesemaking, affinage, packaging and distribution of cheeses. The Assistant Cheesemaker will work closely with the owner and other cheesemakers to make a full line of fresh and aged cow and goat milk cheeses in an innovative, fun and exciting cheesemaking operation. As the business expands, it is expected that this will transition to a full-time position. The ideal candidate should have prior cheesemaking experience in an artisanal cheesemaking operation, however we are most importantly seeking passion for the project and eagerness to learn to become an excellent cheesemaker.

Cheesemaking is strenuous work and consists mostly of washing and sanitation with miraculous cheesemaking in between. The successful candidate will be passionate about the full cheesemaking and aging experience, appreciate the need for strict sanitation, have good attention to detail, and have the good work ethic, stamina and ability to thrive in a busy environment, while maintaining a cheerful disposition. Good organizational, documentation and communication skills will be important, as well as the ability to establish and strictly follow cheesemaking, sanitation and aging processes.

Job specifications:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Follow cleaning and sanitation protocols for cheesemaking.

2. In conjunction with the owner/cheesemaker, follow FSMA plans for cheesemaking processes, including performing mock recall audits.

3. Follow environmental testing plans and processes. Record and track results of environmental testing and respond immediately to any adverse results.

4. Follow and implement cheesemaking schedule to meet retail/wholesale demands.

5. Clean and sanitize cheese production facility prior to and after every cheesemaking session.

6. Successfully assist making the current production fresh (Rowington Ricotta and Hathaway Cottage cheese) and aged cow milk cheeses (Elmstead Ash, Henley, High Heaven, Lapworth, and Chadwick). Successfully make the current production goat milk cheeses: Beachy Head Ohio Valencay. This will entail working at the Amish Dairy in Stark County and may involve a 1 ½ hr drive from Cleveland.

7. Follow cheese aging protocols and track metrics (pH, moisture, etc) for the current cheeses.

8. Document all metrics and aspects of cheesemaking and aging.

9. Wrap, label, weight and pack the aged cheeses.

10. Assist with cheese deliveries, as required.

11. For the enthusiastic candidate, there will be the opportunity to assist in cheesemaking classes, participate in meet-the-cheesemaker events and lead cheesemaking tours, as the production schedule allows.

12. Provide knowledgeable, welcoming and friendly information to tour and cheese class customers. Be able to explain in lay terms the unique features and production of Marchant Manor Cheeses and other cheeses/products.

13. Meet local health department requirements and follow Marchant Manor sanitation and food safety policies.

14. Actively maintain knowledge of the cheesemaking industry and sanitation requirements through reading, attending trade events and meeting with cheesemakers and food producers.

Job Requirements

1. A love of cheese is a must!

2. Bachelor’s degree in a science or food-related major desired. Appreciation of the chemistry and microbiology of cheesemaking and affinage would be beneficial.

3. Previous cheesemaking or culinary experience preferred.

4. Good verbal and written communication skills.

5. Good organizational and computer skills, with meticulous attention to documentation. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel spread sheets is desired.

6. Good interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence, enthusiasm and ability to work well in a team setting.

7. Ability to multi-task and handle stress with grace and positive attitude.

8. Part-time availability; hours may vary. Our current cheesemaking schedule is on weekends and may include some night activity.

9. Must have driver’s license in good standing and vehicle for travel between Cleveland and dairy in Stark County, OH.

10. Pay will be commensurate with experience.

11. Membership in the Ohio Cheese Guild and American Cheese Society will be included.

Physical requirements

1. Stand for long periods of time; walk; frequent use and washing of hands

2. Use of face mask for cheesemaking and all interactions with other staff and customers.

3. Occasionally required to climb stairs, balance and stoop, kneel or crouch

4. Ability to perform repetitive movements

5. Routinely lift 20-30 pounds, and occasionally move/lift up to 50 pounds.

6. Ability to handle knives and cutting tools safely.

7. Wear personal protective equipment such as hairnets, face mask, gloves, goggles, apron and protective footwear

For more information about Marchant Manor Cheese, visit our website www.marchantmanor.com and visit our Facebook page @MarchantManorCheese or Instagram at #marchantmanor

Compensation

this position is: hourly, under $15/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

December 15, 2020

Attachment

click here to download the attached document.