Cider Production Assistant
Company Summary:
Western Cider is an apple grower and cider house in Missoula, Montana. As a company, we aspire to create an institution of great cider, good times, and a life worth living in this far-flung region of the American West. See what we are all about on Instagram or Facebook @westerncider or on our website - westerncider.com
Job Description:
The Cider Production Assistant 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, cellar cleaning and maintenance, 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 Cider Production Assistant works closely with the Head Cidermaker to keep production moving smoothly and to troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
Part Time Position:
Hours may vary week to week depending on fermentations, but generally Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. During harvest season and pressing season (Oct - early Dec), fermentations will require monitoring over the weekends.
Prerequisites Required:
Extensive cider or wine making experience
High School diploma including computer competency and effective written communication
Clean and valid drivers license
Forklift Driving experience
Ability to work both independently and with a team
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Preferred Experience:
Undergraduate or graduate degree in fermentation science or related field
Previous experience managing staff
Responsibilities:
Cider Production & Cellar Operations
Cleaning and sanitizing tanks, pumps, hoses, floors, and fittings
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
Weekend Availability
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
Paid Time Off
Free cider
Company merchandise
Annual boot and work clothes stipend
Paid training and opportunities for long-term growth
To apply:
Send a cover letter, resume and three references to michael@westerncider.com with “Cider Assistant” in the subject line. Thanks!
