Job Summary

March 2027

Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery is located in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. Gateway to the renowned South Okanagan wine region, the Naramata Bench. We are seeking an experienced Cheesemaker to join our family-run team to craft exceptional artisan blue, bloomy, natural & washed rind cheese out of pasteurized four-litre jugged fresh Holstein cow milk. A separate 1000 sq ft modern cabin (1 bedroom, office plus large storage room) on our 9.2-acre sustainably farmed vineyard could be available for the right person. If you have professional cheesemaking experience, the required licensing, and a passion for quality and craftsmanship, we’d love to hear from you!

Permanent position. Must be physically fit. Starting date: Spring 2027. Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Our commitment is to a safe, inclusive and welcoming work place for all.

The position is ideal for an energetic, physically fit, experienced cheesemaker. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate, your resume, copies of your certifications and any information you think would be helpful for us to select the right candidate.

As we are also a winery we will be looking for a wine shop manager and service staff. Social Media & Event experience would be appreciated.

Qualifications

- Minimum of three years of hands-on cheesemaking experience in a commercial production setting
- Valid Dairy Plant Process Worker Licence
- HACCP Certification preferred
- Excellent knowledge Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations




- Expert knowledge of cheesemaking techniques, processes, and troubleshooting, cheesemaking equipment and operation
- Familiar with product, water, sample laboratory testing and monthly reporting to government
- Ability to comfortably conduct inspections and meetings with government agencies & regulatory bodies
- Comfortable contacting and communicating with service professionals, arranging for Creamery building maintenance, repairs and/or renovations
- Excellent mathematical, verbal, and written communication skills
- Commitment to product quality, food safety, and proper sanitation practices according to the laws & company policy
- Passion for producing high-quality artisan cheese
- Lead R&D; of new products and find solutions to inefficiencies
- Positive attitude, strong time-management skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Physically fit, with the ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs

Duties and Responsibilities

- Produce a variety of cheese, including Brie, blue, natural-rind, fresh, and washed-rind cheese from milk to storage in a 1200 square foot plant




- Monitor cheese throughout the aging process and maintain appropriate aging conditions in the three cheese caves
- Operate & maintain cheesemaking equipment safely and efficiently
- Monitor product quality and ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards
- Clean and sanitize cheesemaking equipment, tools, and cheese aging rooms in accordance with established procedures & laws
- Maintain accurate production records in accordance with all government agencies including CFIA requirements and internal standards
- Manage monthly inventory and maintain the cheesemaking production & personnel schedule
- Prepare wholesale orders, including cutting, wrapping, labelling, pricing, shipping, and occasional deliveries
- Order, source & track all inputs to plant
- Communicate and collaborate with the wine shop team and other colleagues to support daily operations and production goals

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position but is not exhaustive. Duties may be adjusted as operational needs require.

Wage: $22.00-$28.00 / hour

Wage dependent on experience, education and qualifications

Our commitment is to a safe, inclusive and welcoming work place.

This is a permanent position

Pay: $22.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24.0 – 40.0 per week

Advantages:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care

Experience:

- cheesemaking: 3 years (required)

Language:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Experienced Cheese maker (Penticton)
🏢 Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery
📍 Penticton