Company Overview
Double Hill Cidery is an award-winning craft cidery located in rural Prince Edward Island. We grow more than 30 varieties of traditional cider apples and work with locally foraged wild apples to create premium ciders that reflect the Island's unique landscape and agricultural heritage.
Our approach combines traditional European cider-making techniques with modern innovation to produce expressive, high-quality craft ciders while supporting sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
Summary
The Assistant Cider Maker will play an active role in every stage of commercial cider production while receiving structured, hands-on training in modern fermentation, food processing, quality assurance, and agricultural operations. Working directly with the Owner and Head Cider Maker, the successful candidate will develop practical skills in cider making, equipment operation, sanitation, quality control, orchard management, and production planning. This position is ideal for someone interested in agriculture, food science, fermentation, or craft beverage production and looking to build a career in the agri-food sector.
Responsibilities
- Assist in all stages of cider production, including fruit processing, pressing, fermentation management, racking, blending, filtering, carbonation, and packaging.
- Clean and sanitize tanks, hoses, pumps, presses, filters, kegs, and packaging equipment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Operate commercial cider-making equipment safely under supervision and progressively assume greater responsibility as skills develop.
- Monitor fermentations, collect production data, and assist with laboratory testing such as pH, Brix, temperature, and specific gravity measurements.
- Maintain accurate production records, batch documentation, and inventory records.
- Assist with quality assurance, sensory evaluation, and product consistency.
- Participate in production planning, inventory organization, and packaging preparation.
- Load, unload, and organize apples, ingredients, packaging materials, and production supplies.
- Support seasonal orchard activities, including harvest preparation, fruit handling, and basic orchard maintenance as required.
- Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventive maintenance.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety procedures, sanitation standards, and workplace safety protocols.
- Assist with special projects, product development trials, and continuous improvement initiatives.
While previous experience is an asset, we are primarily looking for someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Interest in agriculture, fermentation, food production, or craft beverages.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and perform physically demanding work throughout the day.
- Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying seasonal conditions.
- Mechanically inclined with an interest in equipment and manufacturing processes.
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to ask questions.
- Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
Assets (Not Required)
- Experience in brewing, winemaking, distilling, fermentation, food processing, or commercial kitchens.
- Experience operating pumps, packaging equipment, forklifts, or agricultural machinery.
- Knowledge of apples, orchards, or horticulture.
- Food safety certification or WHMIS training.
Training and Mentorship
This position is designed to provide meaningful skills development through structured, on-the-job training and mentorship. The successful candidate will receive training in:
- Commercial cider production and fermentation science
- Yeast management and fermentation monitoring
- Food safety, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Safe operation of commercial production equipment
- Quality assurance and sensory evaluation
- Batch record keeping and production documentation
- Inventory management and production planning
- Orchard operations and harvest logistics
- Preventive equipment maintenance
Working Conditions
This is a physically active position involving:
- Standing and walking for extended periods
- Repeated lifting of materials weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Working in cool production areas, outdoors during harvest, and around food processing equipment
- Occasional evening or weekend work during harvest and peak production periods
What We Offer
- Hands-on training in commercial craft cider production
- One-on-one mentoring from an experienced cider maker
- Exposure to orchard management and fruit processing
- Experience operating commercial fermentation and packaging equipment
- Participation in new product development and innovation projects
- Professional development in food safety, quality assurance, and manufacturing
- A collaborative, supportive work environment
Potential for future seasonal or permanent employment based on performance and business needs
Double Hill Cidery is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We encourage motivated young people with an interest in agriculture and food production to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed above.
Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
