Reports To: Head Cheese Maker
About Empire Cheese Co-operative
Empire Cheese Co-opertive is renowned for its handcrafted, naturally aged cheeses, consistently earning accolades such as multiple first-place awards at the Royal Winter Fair. We pride ourselves on being the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County with long rooted history in Campbellford. We are owned by local dairy famers who hold directorship for the Board, and support the operation of the plant.
Role Overview
Are you passionate about food, craftsmanship, and learning a time-honored tradition? We are seeking a motivated and curious individual to join our team as an Apprentice Cheese Maker. In this permanent full-time hands-on role, you’ll work alongside experienced cheese makers to learn the complete process of artisan cheese production—from milk to market.
This is a rare opportunity to gain immersive, on-the-job training in a craft that blends science, artistry, and hard work. No prior cheesemaking experience is required, but commitment to quality, cleanliness, and continuous learning is essential.
As part of a dedicated and hard-working team, the candidate will be responsible for manufacturing and producing a variety of cheese products while ensuring daily production, packaging, quality, warehousing and safety metrics are met or exceeded.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the daily production of cheese, including:
- Milk handling and pasteurization
- Curds and whey separation
- Molding, pressing, and salting
- Aging, washing, and turning cheeses
- Accurately measure and mix ingredients using recipes and formulations and document according to reporting standards.
- Assemble, set up, calibrate and run equipment and machinery according to daily production and processing requirements.
- Ensure honorable engagement and ownership of all processes and actions and report immediately any deviations.
- Analyze product and adjust process controls such as pH, temperature, sampling texture and visual appearance to ensure consistent quality products are manufactured.
- Operate, maintain, clean and sanitize vats and other related equipment according to HACCP.
- PPE (personal protective equipment) including hair/beard nets, safety shoes, gloves, etc. must be worn while working in the processing facility.
- Use good manual dexterity skills in hands and wrists for cheese making and handling, standing for prolonged periods, bending, lifting and handling products of varying sizes and weights.
- Ensure and validate good operating condition of tools and machinery prior to use and report any discrepancies immediately to the Supervisor or Plant Manager.
- Participate in meetings with the Supervisor and or the Plant Manager to discuss daily production, continuous process improvement, business planning and the sharing of ideas.
- Perform safety and quality inspections and record data as required.
Requirements
- Strong interest in food production, agriculture, or artisan craft.
- No previous experience required but a background in culinary food science, biology, or agriculture is a benefit.
- Willingness to work early mornings and flexible hours as needed.
- Shifts can begin as early as 3:00am to support cheese production schedules.
- Computer literacy considered an asset.
- Ability to perform physical tasks (lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, working in humid/cool environments).
- High attention to cleanliness and detail, including adhering to Quality, HACCP standards and procedures with zero non-conformances with regards to CFIA audits and inspections.
- Reliable, punctual, and willing to learn
- Comfortable working in a team setting
- High school diploma or equivalent required
What We Offer
- Hands-on training with an experienced cheese maker and production team.
- Exposure to the full lifecycle of cheese production.
- Opportunities for advancement and certification.
- A creative, supportive team environment.
- Boot allowance.
- Health and dental benefits.
- RRSP matching program.
Renumeration to be based on experience.
If you are passionate about working with a team dedicated to producing award-winning, handcrafted cheeses and are eager to contribute to a company with a rich heritage and commitment to quality, we invite you to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company events
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Campbellford, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person