Junior Assistant Cheesemaker (Full-time) at Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren, a renowned Cape Winelands farm, is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Junior Assistant Cheesemaker to join its artisanal dairy team. This entry-level opportunity is perfect for individuals passionate about food production and eager to learn the intricate craft of cheesemaking from experienced artisans. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the daily operations of the cheesery, contributing to the creation of high-quality, handcrafted cheeses that reflect Babylonstoren's commitment to excellence and natural processes. This position offers a unique chance to develop specialized skills in a beautiful and inspiring environment, fostering a deep understanding of dairy science, food safety, and traditional cheesemaking techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing vats, monitoring milk temperatures, adding cultures, cutting curds, and handling cheese moulds.
• Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards by cleaning and sterilising vats, tools, drainage tables, and production areas daily.
• Care for cheeses in the aging rooms by flipping, brushing, washing, and monitoring cheese wheels.
• Wrap, vacuum-pack, weigh, and label finished products accurately for retail and wholesale distribution.
• Keep accurate production records, including batch numbers, pH levels, temperatures, and cleaning schedules.
• Safely load, unload, and store ingredients and materials such as milk churns, salt sacks, and packaging supplies.
• Assist with guest interaction and workshops when required.

Why Join the Company

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight any experience in food handling, kitchen work, brewing, or farming, even if informal. Emphasize your understanding of hygiene and attention to detail.
• Showcase your enthusiasm for learning a new craft and your positive attitude. Mention any instances where you've demonstrated reliability and teamwork.
• If you have experience with physical labor or working in varied environmental conditions (hot/cold), make sure to include this to demonstrate your physical fitness and adaptability.

Interview Preparation

• 'Can you describe a time when you had to follow a detailed process or recipe very carefully? What was the outcome?'
• 'How do you ensure strict hygiene and cleanliness in a work environment, especially when handling food?'

How to Apply

* Salary is estimated based on market research and may not be accurate.

• No prior experience required — experience in food production, kitchens, brewing, hospitality, or farming will be advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to stand for long shifts, work in hot, humid or chilled environments, and repeatedly lift 20–25 kg.
• Strong commitment to personal hygiene and willingness to follow strict HACCP and food safety procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow recipes, timings, and measurements accurately.
• Reliable transport and punctuality, as shifts may start very early in the morning.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work well within a team environment.