November 6, 2024

Grafton Village Cheese

Grafton

FULL TIME

Cheese Maker

GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE CO.
Cheese Maker
Who We Are
Grafton Village Cheese Company is a recognized national leader in artisanal cheese making. Based in Grafton, VT, we produce award-winning traditional and cave-aged cheddar cheeses using milk from local dairy farms. As a subsidiary of the nonprofit Windham Foundation, we are a mission-driven business that supports the Foundation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the social, economic, and cultural vitality of Vermont’s smaller communities and their rural way of life, especially within and around the town of Grafton, Vermont.
Our mission is to honor tradition and celebrate quality through crafting exceptional cheeses, fostering innovation, and supporting initiatives that preserve and enhance our communities.
What We Do

Produce and age approximately 500,000 lbs. of cheese a year
Make unpasteurized traditional, infused and cave-aged cheddars, and other European-style cheeses, using local cow and sheep’s milk
Age our cheese using both traditional and cave aging techniques
Operate two retail stores, one in Grafton and one in Okemo Valley
Operate a Cut/Wrap and Order Processing facility out of our Okemo Valley Retail Store
Ensure a premium product through the implementation of a rigorous SQF food safety program
Contribute to Vermont’s cheese-making tradition through our craftsmanship and support of other VT-based producers
Engage in industry-related initiatives on state and national levels through conferences, trainings and membership

Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate has an appreciation for and interest in artisan cheese production; is self-motivated, detail oriented and solution-driven; is a team player with good communication and active listening skills; and is committed to supporting the company’s goals, mission and standards of excellence.
Reports to: Head Cheese Maker
Essential Job Functions
· Assist head cheese maker with all aspects of cheese making from setup, through production and cleanup.
· Accurately measure, test, and record results of essential analyses.
· Understand and follow SOP processes essential to maintaining equipment and a clean work environment.
· Understand and follow internal operation procedures to ensure food safety and quality standards are met.
· Support affinage of cave-aged cheeses including washing, flipping, brushing and monitoring product.
· Help with order processing/fulfillment
Job Requirements
· Ability to work on your feet for long stretches and lift up to 50 pounds
· Good attendance record and ability to follow a set time schedule Monday-Friday
· Good attention to detail in food production as well as cleaning
· Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team
· Attend training to gain essential food safety knowledge
· Minimum 2 years in a related industry helpful but not required
This full-time position includes: 15 days (120 hrs.) PTO a year to start, pro-rated first year. • 100% Company-Paid Delta Dental Insurance for Employee & Dependents • 100% Company-Paid Life Insurance • 100% Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance • Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Insurance with competitive premium • Monthly Employer Contribution to a Health Saving Account • Paid Holidays • 401K Retirement Plan • Voluntary Delta Vision Insurance • Employee Emergency Loan Program: 0% interest loan for one-time emergency need.
Additional benefits including free access to fitness center, Grafton Trails, employee discounts at the Grafton Inn and dining facilities, Grafton Cheese retail stores and more, provided through The Windham Foundation.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person