EMPLOYMENT

Assistant Cheesemaker FT   Posted 2-26-2025

 Our small farmstead sheep dairy is looking for a committed, reliable and focused person to join our three-person cheesemaking team on our farm in Nerstrand, Minnesota. 

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At Shepherd's Way Farms we make farmstead sheep cheeses, ranging from fresh to bloomy rind, blue to aged. We also bottle sheep milk. Our cheeses are sold locally at farmers markets, cheese shops, specialty grocery stores, and restaurants and nationally. 

 

The assistant cheesemaker is responsible for food safety and sanitation, participating in cheesemaking and affinage, tending cheeses and maintaining inventory, bottling milk, order fulfillment and packaging, plant maintenance and pasteurizing. 

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The right person for the job will have a passion for food production, preferably with cheesemaking experience. Extensive experience in food preparation with transferable sanitation skills and culinary skills is also useful. Attention to detail while understanding the bigger picture, ability to problem solve, and a focused, steady style are essential. 

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This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs, to work on your feet in variable temperatures, and to shift tasks efficiently. Must be reliable and able to commute in all weather (AWD recommended). Authorization to work in US required.

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Work hours Monday-Friday, scheduled between the hours of 6am-5pm, depending on the day, some weekend a.m hours.  Compensation is $18-22/hour. Increases dependent on experience and productivity. 

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Ongoing training provided. Assistant cheesemaker will be working with Jodi, who has been making Shepherd's Way award-winning cheeses for more than 20 years.

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Interested? Email resume and brief explanation of why you’d like to join Shepherd’s Way Farms. We’re excited to hear from you!

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Farmers Market Sales Associate 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dependable individual to join our team at the spring/summer farmers markets! This weekend position is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging with customers and is passionate about promoting high-quality, locally produced sheep cheese, sheep milk, and lamb.

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Position Details:

• Role: Farmers Market Sales Associate – Sheep Dairy & Lamb Products

• Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays

• Location: Rotating between Mill City Farmers Market, St Paul Farmers Market Lowertown & Apple Valley Farmers Market  (St Paul Farmers Market on Sundays)

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome and engage customers with detailed information about our local sheep cheese, milk, wool and lamb products

• Process sales transactions accurately and efficiently

• Set up and break down the market stall

• Ensure the display is attractive and products are well-stocked

• Educate customers on the benefits and unique qualities of sheep dairy and lamb products

• Foster a warm, community-oriented atmosphere at the market

 

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• A passion for local food and a knack for storytelling about its origins

• Ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment

• Previous sales or customer service experience is a plus, but not required

• Availability to work Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season

 

If you’re excited about supporting local producers and sharing the exceptional taste and quality of sheep dairy and lamb products, we’d love to hear from you!

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How to Apply:
Please send your resume along with a brief cover letter to jodi@shepherdswayfarms.com or visit Steven at the St Paul Farmers Market market to apply in person.

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Join us in celebrating local agriculture and bringing the unique flavors of our sheep cheese, milk, and lamb to the community every weekend!

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Dairy Technician PT

Are you energetic and reliable, work well with animals and find satisfaction in a job well done? Join our sheep dairy crew! The Dairy Technician is responsible for milking sheep, parlor sanitation, assisting with animal care (watering, bedding, feeding), routine farm chores. During lambing, additional responsibilities and hours possible. ​This work requires stamina, attention to detail and to the big picture, the ability to lift 50 lbs and a can-do work style. 

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Animal experience required, milking experience, sanitation knowledge and skidsteer experience useful. 

​Compensation based on experience & productivity, includes paid time off and a cheese share.  Hourly $18-21   Must be authorized to work in the U.S.   Multiple shifts available: Weekend AM 6-11am, PM 4-9 pm

Weekdays AM 6-11am.​

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To apply, send your resume and a a brief explanation of why you’d like to join Shepherd’s Way Farms and what you bring to the role. 

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See more about the farm, check out this video by PBS.

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