Assistant Chocolate Maker

Lonohana Estate Chocolate is a locally owned tree-to-bar chocolate company creating high-quality, fine finished chocolate exclusively using cacao that is 100% Hawaii-grown.

Our mission is to help advance & revitalize the agricultural economy here in Hawaii by growing cacao responsibly, respecting the ecosystem and restoring the ʻāina through regenerative agroforestry on our cacao farm on the North Shore.

We strive to be a part of making a name for Hawaii as a destination for world renowned chocolate and to provide every customer with a genuine, educational and delicious experience. We pride ourselves on growing cacao and producing products with the highest integrity and in complete transparency.

If you love chocolate and these values speak to you, we’re excited to meet you!

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for a new full-time production assistant for our chocolate factory in Kakaako. We are looking for a professional, self-motivated team player. The ideal candidate will have the desire to work with chocolate on many levels, from manufacturing to pastry and confectionery. You might come from another industry, but if you have a high level of professionalism and a deep interest in chocolate, we would like to meet you. Please note that some weekend day availability is a MUST for this position. Respond to this posting ONLY if you have some background in chocolate, confectionery or culinary programs.

This role is based at our factory on Queen Street in Kakaako.

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting in the factory with all aspects of our chocolate manufacturing and packaging.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in production of bean-to-bar chocolate
• Molding and wrapping chocolate bars
• Minor maintenance of chocolate machinery
• Calculate recipes and add ingredients accordingly
• Help maintain organized storage
• Communicate with team members about inventory and production status
• Assist in producing chocolate drinks, rubs, nibs, confections, and other non-bar products
• Maintain cleanliness of the factory, including sweeping and mopping floors, dishes, chocolate mold cleaning, wiping down machinery

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

• Self-starter that thrives on exceeding expectations
• Culinary and/or chocolate background and experience
• Strong attention to detail and product quality
• Friendly, courteous and approachable demeanor
• Positive, adaptable, flexible attitude
• Food service/production experience
• Able to wear many hats
• Able to multi-task with ease and grace under pressure
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions carefully
• Good time management

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Previous experience in food production, baking or chocolate-making preferred, but not required.

Must be available to work a varied and flexible schedule INCLUDING weekends.

Food handler’s certificate or equivalent

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds on an intermittent basis

Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time.

JOB TYPE: 40 hours per week, Full-time, Exempt

COMPENSATION: Competitive annual salary based on experience

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance: 100% employee coverage (including vision & dental)
• Paid time off:
• Accrued Paid Vacation: 2 weeks per year with additional week after 5 years.
• Accrued Paid Sick Days: 7 days per year
• Retirement Plan: Optional participation + Company match after 90 days
• Employee discount on all purchases
• Opportunities for professional growth in a unique, values-driven company.
• Connection to Hawai‘i agriculture and sustainable food systems.

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Please send a resume to careers@lonohana.com. Please include a cover letter, and use “Favorite Chocolate: <your answer>” as the subject line of your email. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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Production Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a professional, self-motivated team player to join our chocolate production team. The ideal candidate will have the desire to work with chocolate on many levels, including from scratch manufacturing, bar molding and new product development. If you have a high level of professionalism and a deep interest in chocolate, we would like to meet you. Please note that some weekend day availability is a MUST for this position.

While previous experience in food production, baking or chocolate-making is preferred, it is not required. You may have experience in the food & beverage and/or consumer packaged goods industry, or a background in baking, hospitality, food service or local food production. Regardless, what we seek is a perfect fit within our production team, and someone who desires to join one of Hawaii’s leading chocolate companies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of job ownership, a driven desire to succeed and will have every opportunity to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and contribute to the company’s direction and impact. You will work closely with our founder as well as our Assistant Chocolate Maker at our factory in Kaka’ako.

OUR COMPANY

Lonohana Estate Chocolate is a locally owned tree-to-bar chocolate company creating high-quality, fine finished chocolate exclusively using cacao that is 100% Hawaii-grown. Our mission is to help advance & revitalize the agricultural economy here in Hawaii by growing cacao responsibly, respecting the ecosystem and restoring the ʻāina through regenerative agroforestry on our cacao farm on the North Shore.

We strive to be a part of making a name for Hawaii as a destination for world renowned chocolate and to provide every customer with a genuine, educational and delicious experience. We pride ourselves on growing cacao and producing products with the highest integrity and in complete transparency.

If you love chocolate and these values speak to you, we’re excited to meet you!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in production of bean-to-bar chocolate
• Molding and packaging chocolate bars
• Minor maintenance of chocolate machinery
• Calculate recipes and add ingredients accordingly
• Help maintain organized storage
• Communicate with team members about inventory and production status
• Assist in producing chocolate drinks, confections and other non-bar products
• Maintain cleanliness of the factory, including sweeping and mopping floors, dishes, chocolate mold cleaning, wiping down machinery

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

• Self-starter that thrives on exceeding expectations
• Strong attention to detail and product quality
• Friendly, courteous and approachable demeanor
• Positive, adaptable, flexible attitude
• Food service/production experience
• Able to wear many hats
• Able to multi-task with ease and grace under pressure
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions carefully
• Good time management

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

· Must be available to work a varied and flexible schedule INCLUDING some weekend day availability.

· Ability to commute to Honolulu daily (96813)

· Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds on an intermittent basis and to work in a standing position for extended periods of time.

JOB TYPE: 40 hours per week, Full-time, Exempt

COMPENSATION: Annual salary based on experience

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance: 100% employee coverage (including vision & dental)
• Paid time off: Accrued Paid Vacation: 2 weeks per year with additional week after 3 years. Accrued Paid Sick Days: 7 days per year
• Retirement Plan: Optional participation + Company match after 90 days
• Employee discount on all purchases

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter and resume to careers@lonohana.com. Please include a cover letter with any additional information you'd like us to know. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.