Ice Cream Maker Application

Theda’s Ice Creamery is a small-batch, super-premium ice cream shop in Napa built by a local family, for local families. Everything we serve is made in-house daily using organic Straus dairy and real ingredients. We focus on craft, consistency, and creating a joyful community space. No gimmicks, just exceptional ice cream done well. 

We’re rooted in creativity, kindness, and connection. Theda’s is a welcoming, inclusive place for all—and that starts with our team. We’re growing, and we’re ready to bring on someone to help build the future of our production program.

 

Position Overview

The Ice Cream Maker works directly alongside the Owner to produce all ice cream and frozen desserts for Theda’s. This is a hands-on production role requiring prior commercial kitchen experience. Any resumes without this experience will not be considered.

The position begins as a collaborative, side-by-side role and is designed to grow into a key production leadership position as volume increases.

We’re looking for someone disciplined, detail-oriented, and excited about building systems — not just following recipes, but helping refine and scale them. This is a high-volume production role where consistency, food safety, and craftsmanship matter every single day.

The Perks

  • Competitive hourly pay starting at $23/hour

  • Free ice cream (obviously)

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Fun, supportive team environment

  • Opportunity for growth as responsibilities and production volume expand

 

What You’ll Do

  • Produce ice cream and frozen desserts according to established recipes and production schedules

  • Maintain strict consistency in texture, flavor balance, and quality

  • Operate commercial batch freezers and production equipment safely and efficiently

  • Scale production as demand increases

  • Collaborate on recipe refinement and flavor development

  • Assist with ingredient ordering and inventory forecasting

  • Monitor par levels and communicate supply needs

  • Maintain proper labeling, dating, and rotation (FIFO)

  • Craft in-house components such as baked goods, sauces, caramel, mix-ins, and inclusions as needed

  • Document and help build SOPs for production processes

  • Train future production team members as the shop grows

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe production environment

  • Occasionally support front-of-house operations during peak needs

 

Requirements

  • Prior commercial kitchen experience required

  • Prior ice cream or gelato production experience ideal

  • Experience in baking, sauce-making, or pastry production strongly preferred

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency

  • Comfortable working independently for extended periods

  • Ability to lift 40–50 lbs regularly

  • Process-minded and systems-oriented

  • High integrity and reliability

  • Calm and focus in high-volume production.

  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English to ensure safe food production, follow written recipes and documentation, and coordinate clearly with management and team members

 

Schedule

  • Part-time to start (approximately 20 +/- hours per week)

  • Preference for early morning availability

  • Hours may expand based on performance, seasonality, and production needs

  • The majority of time will be spent independently in production

Theda’s Ice Creamery is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. Employment at Theda’s is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws.