Cheesemaker

Join our regenerative-organic dairy in the heart of Vermont's Mad River Valley.

About our Farmstead:

Von Trapp Farmstead is a 3rd generation, regenerative, Organic Dairy Farm producing artisan cheese, yogurt, and pastured pork. We are also certified by the Real Organic Project.

We believe in producing delicious, nutritious food to share with our families and community. Farming in tandem with nature is the most important ingredient. We milk 45 grass fed cows and turn all of their milk into award winning cheese and yogurt. The whey, a byproduct of cheese production, is fed to our pastured pigs which then end up as pork in our Farm Store open year round.

Our farm is built on the health of our soil, the welfare of our cows, and a passion for cheesemaking and community. As farmstead cheesemakers we have a dynamic business. Our business consists of farming and animal care, cheesemaking and maturation in our cheese caves, and customer connection through wholesale, direct to consumer mail order, and our farmstore. We are an 11 person motivated team making it all happen!

Who we are: We are a small team passionate about food, farming, and delicious cheese. Working with us means having a team to bounce ideas off of, being in a space where questions and curiosity are welcome, and having your ideas heard. Our size means we prioritize teamwork and encourage everyone to have ownership over their responsibilities. Within our small team everyone has the ability to innovate. 

We're looking for a passionate and motivated Cheesemaker to join our small production team.

Learn more about us at www.vontrappfarmstead.com

About the Position

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who is serious about building a career in farmstead cheesemaking. You'll work alongside an experienced team, gaining hands-on experience in every stage of production—from the cheese vat to cellar affinage.

The position combines cheesemaking, aging room management, and daily production responsibilities. As your skills develop, you'll take on increasing responsibility for managing cheese makes and helping coordinate daily production.

We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, enjoys learning, and takes pride in producing food of the highest quality. We hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards for craftsmanship, consistency, and food safety. If you're excited by the challenge of mastering a traditional craft while working in a modern food production environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What to Expect

Cheesemaking is rewarding work, but it's also demanding.

This position involves repetitive tasks, careful attention to detail, heavy lifting, long periods of standing, and a strong commitment to cleaning and sanitation. Producing exceptional cheese begins with maintaining an impeccably clean facility, so sanitation is an essential part of every day.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily cheesemaking and become proficient in producing our four cheese styles
• Manage cheese production during scheduled makes
• Brine and salt cheeses
• Perform cellar affinage and aging room tasks
• Wrap and package finished cheeses
• Help coordinate daily production tasks with the cheesemaking team
• Maintain exceptional sanitation and food safety standards
• Follow and contribute to food safety plans and documentation

Qualifications

• Previous cheesemaking and/or affinage experience required
• Strong interest in artisan or farmstead cheesemaking
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Comfortable with physically demanding work
• Food safety certifications are preferred
• Familiarity with food safety plans and documentation is required

Schedule

• Approximately 30–40 hours per week

Our cows produce milk every day, so our creamery operates six days a week. Most members of our team work one weekend day. We do our best to provide time off around holidays, but flexibility to work some holidays is necessary.

Because production begins early in the morning, applicants should live locally or be willing to commute during early morning hours.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting at $24/hour, with higher pay based on experience
• Paid vacation and sick time 
• Dental and vision insurance
• IRA retirement plan with employer matching
• Farm-fresh milk, cheese, and meat
• 25% employee discount at our farm store

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter telling us about your interest in cheesemaking to:

[email protected]