About Hildene:
Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife Mary. Mr. Lincoln was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the non-profit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate which is open to the public year-round.
Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. Our attraction is comprised of a 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, restored Pullman railcar Sunbeam, agricultural operations, cheesemaking facility, twelve miles of trails, and year-round programming, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont. Abraham Lincoln’s values, shared through the estate his son Robert and later generations kept and cherished, are at the heart of our mission.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Goat Dairy Manager with supervision from the Head Cheesemaker and working closely with team members, this position takes part in all aspects of cheesemaking. Our ideal candidate has culinary skills and is eager to produce award-winning goat cheese in our modern facility under the supervision of a Master Cheesemaker.
This job requires pride in craftsmanship, adherence to strict sanitary standards and creative instincts. The work for this role is often repetitive, physically demanding and varied. It is also rewarding. Cheesemaking involves long days and some early mornings. Work in the creamery includes cleaning and sanitation, creamery maintenance, taking part in makes, packaging and caring for cheese as it ages. Our cheesemaking production schedule shifts with the seasons so flexibility and reliability with scheduling is needed.
Hildene’s Goat Dairy is a modern facility open to viewing by guests to learn about the goats and each step of the cheesemaking process. In addition, the goat dairy is part of Hildene’s larger educational mission and hosts school groups, day camps, and other forms of programming. All Goat Dairy staff members, including this role, welcome guests, give tours, answer questions, and work with our large crew of volunteers.
This is a 30-hour seasonal position with potential to grow into year-round. We seek a candidate interested in learning about goat dairy farming and cheesemaking (and soap making) and can work as part of a team and independently. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, attention to detail and cleanliness are essential to working at the goat dairy.
(Seasonal, part-time. This 30-hour per week position is classified as essential personnel, which may require attendance at work during inclement weather.)
Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Cleaning and sanitation as part of dairy and creamery maintenance.
- Wear designated clothing, footwear, and hair coverings and follow good manufacturing practices to prevent contamination. All staff must understand and follow these protocols.
- Take part in making and caring for cheese as it ages.
- Packaging products for wholesale and retail customers.
- Conduct tours and interact with guests.
- Record-keeping.
- Other duties as needed.
Required Skills:
- Effective communication skills.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Ability to work independently and with a team.
- Observant, self-motivated with proven critical thinking skills.
- Experience with livestock or animals helpful but not required.
- Experience with food production or handling is helpful but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Consistently works in a variety of conditions.
- Move objects weighing 50 lbs.
- Constantly position and re-position self to make cheese, clean and sanitize equipment, stock product in cheese cave and package product for sale.
- Education and Experience
- High School Diploma
- Animal Science, Dairy Science, or Animal Husbandry degree helpful.
- Alternatively, combination of experience, education, and trainability.
Education and Experience
- High School diploma or GED preferred.
- Culinary education or skills helpful.
Seasonal Schedule: June - Oct. 20th.
Compensation: $15 per hour.
Additional Information:
Background check required of applicants 18 years of age or older.
TO APPLY:
Please email a letter of interest describing how you are a great fit for Hildene, resume, and three references to Misty Hosley via Indeed. You may also mail your application to: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, c/o Misty Hosley, Goat Dairy Manager, PO Box 377, Manchester, VT 05254
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates who contribute to our diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Manchester, VT: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person