Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of artisanal food production, the role of Craft Jam and Preserve Makers has never been more crucial.

As consumer tastes evolve towards more unique and homemade food items, the demand for skilled artisans who can concoct, develop, and preserve our flavorful preserves and jams is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of crafting jams and preserves,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Craft Jam and Preserve Maker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Duties and Responsibilities

Craft Jam and Preserve Makers create handmade, artisanal jams, jellies, and preserves using traditional methods.

They utilize a variety of fruits and other ingredients to create unique and flavorful products.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Source, clean, and prepare high-quality fruits and other ingredients for jam and preserve making
• Follow traditional recipes and techniques, as well as create new and innovative flavor combinations
• Cook and stir mixtures to achieve the correct consistency and flavor
• Properly can and seal jars to ensure product preservation and safety
• Perform quality control checks to maintain the highest product standards
• Develop, manage, and maintain inventory of raw materials and finished products
• Comply with health and safety regulations, including sanitation and cleanliness standards in the production area
• Market and sell products, attending local markets or festivals, or working with local retailers
• Process customer orders, including packaging and shipping products

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Craft Jam and Preserve Maker to join our team.

This role entails creating unique and delicious jams and preserves using various fruits, sugars, and other ingredients.

The ideal candidate should have experience in the field, a strong understanding of canning processes, and a passion for creating high-quality, flavorful preserves.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare fruits for jam and preserve making, including washing, peeling, and chopping.
• Cook and stir ingredients to achieve desired consistency and flavor.
• Operate canning and preserving equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen, adhering to all food safety regulations.
• Test recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
• Label jars with ingredients, batch numbers, and dates for inventory management.
• Assist in developing new recipes and flavor combinations.
• Promote products at various farmers markets, trade shows, and events.
• Ensure all products meet company and industry standards for quality and safety.

 

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a similar role or in a culinary setting.
• Knowledge of canning and preserving techniques.
• Ability to lift heavy items and stand for extended periods.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Culinary training is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Craft Jam and Preserve Maker
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a kitchen environment and may include occasional travel for events or markets.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Kitchen Manager or Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $27,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Do?

Craft Jam and Preserve Makers are individuals who create small-batch jams, jellies, and preserves using traditional methods.

These artisans often work for small specialty businesses, farmers’ markets, or are self-employed.

They source fresh fruits and other necessary ingredients, often locally, to ensure the quality of their products.

Their job involves washing, preparing, and cooking the fruits, as well as measuring and combining them with the right amount of sugar, pectin, or other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.

The makers are responsible for sterilizing jars and lids, filling them with the prepared product, and sealing them properly to preserve the contents.

They also need to ensure that the products meet food safety standards.

Craft Jam and Preserve Makers also often experiment with different flavor combinations, creating unique and innovative products.

They may also create labels and packaging for their products, and are often involved in marketing and selling their creations.

In addition, they may conduct tasting events or workshops, sharing their knowledge and passion for their craft with others.

Their job requires a keen sense of taste, a meticulous approach to cleanliness, and a deep understanding of the science behind preserve making.

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Craft Jam and Preserve Maker should possess a variety of skills and qualifications, including:

• Detailed knowledge of various fruit types, their unique properties, and how they interact with different ingredients during the preservation process.
• Excellent understanding of the safe preservation methods and sterilization techniques to ensure a quality product that is safe for consumption.
• Culinary skills and creativity to develop unique and delicious flavor combinations for jams and preserves.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure consistency in taste and texture of each batch of jam or preserve.
• Good understanding of quality control, shelf-life, and batch tracking to maintain the highest standard of the product.
• Ability to work efficiently and methodically, managing time and resources well to ensure production deadlines are met.
• Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, order supplies, and maintain a clean and safe workspace.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills to interact with customers, take custom orders, and resolve any issues or complaints.
• Physical stamina to handle heavy equipment, stand for long periods of time, and endure the heat from cooking processes.

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Experience Requirements

Entry-level Craft Jam and Preserve Makers often have 1 to 2 years of experience in culinary arts or food processing industries.

This experience can be gained through part-time roles, internships, or vocational training programs.

Working in a commercial kitchen, bakery, or even at a farmers’ market can provide valuable exposure to the production and sales aspects of the business.

Basic knowledge of food safety, hygiene practices, and food preservation methods is often required.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have typically mastered the art of jam and preserve making, often having hands-on experience with different fruits, ingredients, and preservation methods.

They may have also developed skills in innovative recipe creation, product development, and quality control.

Those with over 5 years of experience might have leadership or managerial experience, having overseen the operations in a commercial kitchen, processing plant, or owned a small business.

They are often well-versed in supply chain management, customer relations, and regulatory compliance related to food production and sales.

Moreover, experienced Craft Jam and Preserve Makers may also have gained proficiency in marketing their products, understanding consumer trends, and even conducting workshops or training sessions to share their craft with others.

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Education and Training Requirements

There are no specific educational requirements to become a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker, although a high school diploma or equivalent may be beneficial.

Many Craft Jam and Preserve Makers learn their trade through hands-on experience, starting out as hobbyists or working under the guidance of more experienced professionals.

However, pursuing a course or certification in food processing, culinary arts, or a related field can provide a more formal education and enhance one’s knowledge and skills in this craft.

These courses often cover key topics such as food safety, ingredient selection, preserving methods, and recipe development.

Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in food handling and preparation are also essential.

Therefore, acquiring a food safety certification can be beneficial.

While not a requirement, business skills can be useful for those Craft Jam and Preserve Makers who wish to start their own business.

This includes understanding marketing techniques, business management, and entrepreneurship.

Like in many crafts, continuous learning and experimentation are key to mastering the art of jam and preserve making.

This ongoing learning can be done through workshops, books, online resources, or networking with others in the field.

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker is approximately $31,200 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary widely depending on the scale of production, experience, and location.

For those who own their own business in this craft, profit may also depend on marketing skills and the success of the business.

 

Craft Jam and Preserve Maker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker need?

A Craft Jam and Preserve Maker needs to have a good understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.

They should also have excellent knowledge of fruits, sugars, and pectin and how they interact in the jam making process.

Other skills include attention to detail, patience, and the ability to follow recipes accurately.

Some experience in canning or preserving food can also be beneficial.

 

Do Craft Jam and Preserve Makers need any specific qualifications?

While it’s not mandatory, having a food safety certification can be beneficial for a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker.

Some might also have a background in culinary arts or have attended courses in jam making or preserving food.

However, a lot of Craft Jam and Preserve Makers learn their craft through hands-on experience and experimentation.

 

What should you look for in a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker’s resume?

Ideally, a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker’s resume should demonstrate experience with making different types of jams and preserves.

It could also be beneficial if they have experience selling their products, indicating they understand how to make jams and preserves that appeal to consumers.

Any certificates in food handling or safety are a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Craft Jam and Preserve Maker?

A good Craft Jam and Preserve Maker should have a passion for food and an understanding of different flavor profiles.

They should be creative, patient, and meticulous, as the jam and preserve making process can be quite detailed and time-consuming.

Good problem-solving skills are also important if the mixture is not setting correctly or if the flavor needs adjusting.

 

Is it difficult to hire Craft Jam and Preserve Makers?

Finding skilled Craft Jam and Preserve Makers can be challenging, as it’s a specialized role.

However, individuals with a passion for food, especially baking or cooking, might be interested in this role.

Offering on-the-job training can also make the position more appealing to a wider range of candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve just uncapped the jar on what it truly means to be a Craft Jam and Preserve Maker.

Surprised?

It’s not just about boiling fruit and sugar.

It’s about crafting a sweet and tangy symphony, one jar at a time.

With our handy Craft Jam and Preserve Maker job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to take the plunge.

But why just stop at the surface?

Immerse yourself deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to create mouth-watering job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every jar of jam or preserve is a part of a more delicious whole.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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