Seasonal Cider Production Staff

Description

About the Company:

Located in Gretna, Nebraska, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is a fall festival agritainment venue, open to the public 45 to 55 days a year. Working at Vala’s during the fall season is fast-paced, with long hours between August and November. However, because we are not open to the public for most of the year, we offer great flexibility in the off-season. Vala’s Orchard Cider Co. operates out of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, crafting hard and sweet ciders served exclusively on the farm during the fall season. Our award-winning draft hard ciders are served on the farm to our growing number of guests.

We also produce bottled hard cider in the off season to sell in the fall. The Vala’s hard ciders are growing in popularity, and we are always experimenting with new flavors, including barrel aged, fruited ciders, and infused ciders. Our most popular ciders currently include Witches Brew, Hoppy Apple, Tractor Jam, and Nebraska Classic. Our “cider made the hard way” begins with the apples from our orchard; the apples are then pressed and fermented at the Cider Mill. The bottling, labeling, and packaging is completed at the Cider Mill. Not only have the Vala’s Orchard Cider Co hard ciders grown in popularity among the community, they have also received award winning recognition from the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP).

Requirements

Responsibilities & Requirements:

As a part of the cider team, this position is responsible for supporting the pressing of apples and production of both sweet and hard cider. Orchard Production staff may also assist in packaging and bottling of ciders as well as storing finished product until ready for sale. This position reports to the Pressing Manager. This is a seasonal, part to full time position.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to work safely around industrial processing equipment
• Ability to lift at least 10 pounds on a regular basis
• Must be at least 21 years of age or old
• Works well in a fast paced, team environment
• Interest in apples, cider and orchard operations
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
• Experience driving a forklift, bobcat or other industrial equipment is a plus
• Brewery or Cidery experience is a plus

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, uniform service member status or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.