Job: Creamery Manager and Head Cheesemaker, Massachusetts

Job Announcement: Creamery Manager and Head Cheesemaker in Massachusetts Cricket Creek Farm, a small grass-based dairy in Western Massachusetts is looking to hire a Creamery Manager/Head Cheesemaker. The Creamery is the key to the success of the farm, adding value to their milk and providing our primary revenue stream. They are currently looking to hire a Creamery Manager who will continue production of current Cricket Creek Farm cheeses, with a focus on maintaining consistency of our key products. The Creamery Manager will be expected to continue improving several of their current cheeses and to work to create additions to the product line. In addition to overseeing cheese-making, management of the creamery involves hiring, training and overseeing interns, managing all aspects of affinage, coordinating fulfillment of wholesale orders and cheese for the Farm Store and Farmer’s Markets, and scheduling/management of Raw Milk filling. The Creamery Manager will also be expected to maintain existing wholesale accounts, run the Cricket Creek Farm CSA and coordinate Farmer’s Markets.

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The position of Creamery Manager at Cricket Creek Farm requires a highly motivated individual who is passionate about cheese, has strong management skills, and can also fill a marketing role. This individual must enjoy both independent work and team work.

Key Characteristics:

Highly self-motivated

Strong communication skills

Passion for cheese making

Stamina and resiliency

Ability to work long hours

Resourceful, creative and innovative

Ability to work well in a collaborative environment as part of a team

Enjoys both teaching and learning

Exceptional individual

Core Creamery Responsibilities:

Manage production/affinage of current Cricket Creek Farm cheeses, with a focus on consistency of award-winning products (Maggie’s Round, Maggie’s Reserve, Tobasi)

Continue development and improvement of secondary cheeses (Town Meeting, Berkshire Bloom, and Cricket Creek Fresh) and Farmstead Butter

Hire, train and oversee interns, ensuring a positive learning environment

Manage order fulfillment and retail stocking of dairy products (cheese, butter, raw milk)

Core Marketing Responsibilities:

Manage the Cricket Creek Farm CSA, including promotion/new sign-ups

Manage Farmer’s Markets, including applications and scheduling

Manage existing wholesale accounts

 

The position of Creamery Manager at Cricket Creek Farm will provide a rewarding challenge for the right person. The manager will have the opportunity to hone skills in cheese making, affinage, and marketing of cheese and related dairy products.

The Creamery Manager will report to the General Farm Manager and will collaborate closely on all major decisions.

Compensation:

Commensurate with experience and length of commitment. On-site housing is available.

Commitment:

Asking for a minimum two-year commitment, ideally longer. There is potential for a long-term position.

Start Date:

Between January 1, 2013 and February 1, 2013. They would like a period of several months overlap with their current Creamery Manager to ensure consistency of our current cheeses and to ensure a smooth transition.

About Cricket Creek Farm:

Cricket Creek Farm is a small, diversified, grass- based dairy nestled in the Berkshire hills of Williamstown, MA. The farm consists of our herd of Brown Swiss and Jersey cows, mixed heritage breed pigs, a small flock of laying hens, and an on-site bakery.

Their mission is to produce nourishing food that honors our animals, respects the land, and feeds our community, and to exemplify a sustainable model for small-farm viability.

Approximately 85% of the milk produced by their 30 dairy cows is used to produce five varieties of award-winning cheese.

They are committed to the ideal of small-scale sustainable dairy farming, and are looking for a person who shares our excitement and passion for the project.

For more information on Cricket Creek Farm, please visit their website: www.cricketcreekfarm.com

Contact:

Topher Sabot

topher@cricketcreekfarm.com

413 458-5888