Jam and Preserves Maker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the culinary world, the role of jam and preserves makers is becoming increasingly essential.

As trends towards natural, homemade foods continue to rise, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can craft, refine, and preserve our food tradition.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a jam and preserves maker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of jam and preserves making,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable jam and preserves maker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Jam and Preserves Maker Duties and Responsibilities

Jam and Preserves Makers perform a range of tasks related to the creation and production of jams, jellies, and preserves.

They source and prepare ingredients, cook the mixtures, and package the final product.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Selecting and sourcing high quality fruits, sugars and other necessary ingredients for jam and preserve production
• Inspecting fruits for freshness and removing any blemishes or imperfections
• Washing, peeling, and chopping fruits according to recipe requirements
• Mixing ingredients in specified ratios, monitoring their cooking, and adjusting the heat and cooking time as necessary
• Testing the consistency and flavor of the preserves and making adjustments as necessary
• Sanitizing jars and sealing them to preserve freshness
• Labeling jars with information such as the ingredients, production date, and best before date
• Managing inventory, including tracking ingredient usage and ordering new supplies as necessary
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the work area in accordance with food safety regulations
• Developing new flavors or variations of jams and preserves

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and creative Jam and Preserves Maker to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality, uniquely flavored jams, jellies, and preserves.

The Jam and Preserves Maker will be involved in the entire process, from sourcing fresh, quality ingredients to cooking, testing, and packaging the final product.

 

Responsibilities

• Select and source top-quality fruits and other ingredients for the production of jams and preserves.
• Ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in the production area.
• Prepare fruits and other ingredients, following established recipes and procedures.
• Monitor cooking process and make adjustments as needed to ensure the correct consistency and flavor.
• Test products for quality, and adjust recipes as needed.
• Package and label final products for sale.
• Maintain accurate records of ingredients, processes, and batches.
• Work with marketing and sales teams to develop new products and flavors.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role, or a strong interest in food production and recipe development.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices and hygiene standards.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong sense of taste and smell, and the ability to create and adjust recipes for optimum flavor.
• Physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in culinary arts, food science, or a related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for creative input and recipe development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Jam and Preserves Maker
• Work Environment: This role is primarily based in a commercial kitchen environment. It may require some lifting and handling of hot materials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Jam and Preserves Maker Do?

Jam and Preserves Makers are culinary experts who specialize in the creation of sweet spreadables, typically made from fruits, sugar, and sometimes pectin.

They start their process by selecting and sorting fruits, ensuring that only the best and ripest specimens are used.

They then clean and prepare these fruits, removing any seeds or stems and cutting them into smaller pieces.

Jam and Preserves Makers then cook the fruit with sugar, and often pectin, to create a thick and sweet spread.

They must carefully control the cooking process to ensure the right consistency and flavor is achieved.

In addition to making the jam or preserves, these culinary professionals are also responsible for sterilizing and filling jars with the finished product.

This requires a keen attention to detail to ensure that the jars are sealed properly to keep the preserves fresh.

Some Jam and Preserves Makers may also experiment with unique flavor combinations, adding spices or other ingredients to their recipes.

They may also use alternative sweeteners, like honey or agave nectar, to create different types of preserves.

Lastly, Jam and Preserves Makers may also be responsible for labeling and packaging their products, and possibly marketing and selling them.

Whether they’re working in a small artisanal business, or a large-scale production facility, they need to ensure that their products meet the highest quality standards.

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Jam and Preserves Maker should have the skills and qualifications that align with this unique job description, including:

• Strong knowledge of fruit processing and preservation techniques to produce high-quality jams and preserves
• Ability to follow recipes accurately, consistently producing products with the same taste and quality
• Proficiency in using kitchen equipment such as stovetops, large cooking pots, and canning jars
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene practices to ensure products are safe for consumption
• Detail-oriented nature to carefully inspect fruits for quality and freshness
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods of time during the cooking and canning process
• Creativity to experiment with new recipes and flavor combinations
• Effective time management skills to efficiently process large quantities of fruit and meet production deadlines
• Good communication skills to interact with suppliers, team members, and customers
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the jam and preserves making process.

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Experience Requirements

Jam and Preserves Makers typically need at least 1-2 years of experience in a culinary or food processing field.

This can be gained through employment in a commercial kitchen, bakery, or food processing plant.

Relevant food safety certifications may also be required, as these roles often involve complying with strict health and hygiene standards.

A background in making preserves or jams, whether in a professional setting or as a hobby, can also be beneficial.

Experience with canning and jarring processes, and understanding the principles of food preservation is often highly valued.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may be expected to demonstrate a broader knowledge of different preservation techniques and types of preserves.

They could be responsible for creating new flavors or improving existing recipes.

Those with more than 5 years of experience, or with a supervisory background, may be ready for a managerial position within a larger production facility.

This could involve overseeing a team of jam and preserves makers, ensuring quality control, and managing production schedules.

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Education and Training Requirements

Jam and Preserves Makers generally do not have any formal education requirements.

However, a high school diploma or equivalent is often appreciated, and some individuals may have degrees in food science or related fields.

Entry-level knowledge about fruits, sweeteners, and preservation methods is typically gained on the job or through self-study.

Basic understanding of kitchen equipment and the cooking process is also necessary.

There are several culinary schools and community colleges that offer courses in food preservation and canning, which provide practical training as well as knowledge about food safety standards and regulations.

Jam and Preserves Makers may also learn through workshops, online courses, or apprenticeships under experienced professionals.

Knowledge of business management and marketing is beneficial for those aiming to start their own jam and preserves business.

Although not required, obtaining a food handler’s card could be beneficial.

Continued learning and experimentation with different fruit combinations and flavor profiles can help a Jam and Preserves Maker improve their craft.

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Jam and Preserves Maker is $14.50 (USD) per hour.

However, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the individual’s level of experience, geographic location, and the scale of the employer’s business.

The annual salary for a full-time Jam and Preserves Maker generally ranges from $21,000 to $40,000 (USD).

 

Jam and Preserves Maker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Jam and Preserves Maker need?

Jam and Preserves Makers should possess practical skills such as understanding recipes, fruit preparation, cooking, and canning.

They should be able to judge the quality of fruits and spices, have good manual dexterity for tasks such as pitting cherries or peeling peaches, and be able to stand for long periods while cooking and canning.

A good understanding of food safety and preservation methods is also crucial.

 

Do Jam and Preserves Makers need a degree?

While a degree is not necessary to become a Jam and Preserves Maker, having a degree or certificate in food science, culinary arts, or a related field can be beneficial.

The most important aspects are practical skills and knowledge, which can be obtained through hands-on experience or apprenticeships.

 

What should you look for in a Jam and Preserves Maker resume?

Look for experience in food preparation and handling, especially related to fruits and preserves.

Knowledge of food safety and preservation methods is crucial, so any certifications or training in these areas should be highlighted.

Experience working in a commercial kitchen or food production environment can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Jam and Preserves Maker?

A good Jam and Preserves Maker has a keen sense of taste and smell to create delightful flavor combinations.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure consistency in their batches and maintain high-quality standards.

Patience is also important, as the process of making jams and preserves can be time-consuming and requires careful attention.

 

Is it difficult to hire Jam and Preserves Makers?

This depends on the specific demands and standards of your business.

For smaller operations, individuals with home cooking experience and a passion for preserve-making may suffice.

However, for larger commercial operations, finding experienced candidates with formal culinary training or extensive food production experience may be more challenging.

Offering competitive wages and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncorked the secrets behind being a successful jam and preserves maker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about boiling fruit.

It’s about concocting the perfect blend of flavor, one batch at a time.

With our definitive jam and preserves maker job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for brewing up precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every batch is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s craft that delicious future. Together.

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