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Distillery Maintenance Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Distillery Maintenance information

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$10

$27

$48

How much do distillery maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery maintenance in Kentucky is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Distillery Maintenance vs Brewery Maintenance?

AspectDistillery MaintenanceBrewery Maintenance
CertificationsGeneral HVAC, electrical, mechanical skillsSimilar certifications, often including HVAC and plumbing
Work EnvironmentDistilleries with specialized equipment for spiritsBrewery facilities with brewing and fermentation equipment
Industry UsagePrimarily in spirits productionPrimarily in beer production
Job ResponsibilitiesMaintaining distillation equipment, boilers, tanksMaintaining brewing tanks, fermentation vessels, piping

Distillery Maintenance and Brewery Maintenance share similar skills and work environments, focusing on equipment upkeep in beverage production facilities. The main difference lies in the specific equipment and processes related to spirits versus beer production. Both roles require technical skills in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, making them closely related in the industry.

What is a distillery maintenance worker?

Distillery maintenance workers are responsible for ensuring that all equipment and machinery at a distillery operate smoothly and efficiently. Their tasks include inspecting, repairing, and maintaining production equipment such as stills, pumps, boilers, and conveyor systems. They also perform preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure that safety and quality standards are met. This role is essential for keeping the distillery running effectively and producing high-quality spirits.

What are some common challenges faced in a distillery maintenance role and how can they be managed?

Distillery maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as managing the upkeep of aging equipment, ensuring safety compliance in a potentially hazardous environment, and minimizing downtime during production. Staying organized with preventative maintenance schedules and responding quickly to unexpected breakdowns are crucial for success. Effective communication with production teams and staying up-to-date with industry safety standards can help manage these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distillery maintenance technician?

To thrive as a Distillery Maintenance Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical and electrical systems, often supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools such as PLC systems, boilers, pumps, and HVAC equipment is essential for troubleshooting and repairs. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of distillery equipment, directly impacting production quality and workplace safety.

What are popular job titles related to Distillery Maintenance jobs in Kentucky?

For Distillery Maintenance jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distillery Maintenance jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Distillery Maintenance jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Distillery Maintenance jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Distillery Maintenance job openings:

Distillery Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distillery Maintenance job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,029 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Distillery Maintenance Manager

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company/Location Overview
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery has been producing bourbon on the banks of the Kentucky River since 1773 - making it one of the oldest continually operating distilleries in the United States. It's home to some of the most coveted bottles in the world: Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton's, Eagle Rare, and the distillery's namesake, Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
The distillery has earned more than 300 awards and 17 'Distillery of the Year' titles. It is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As part of the Sazerac family of companies - one of the fastest-growing spirits companies in the world - Buffalo Trace combines heritage craftsmanship with modern, ambitious growth.
Job Description/Responsibilities
About the Role
This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role at the heart of Buffalo Trace Distillery - a National Historic Landmark that has been crafting award-winning bourbon since 1773. As Maintenance Manager, you'll own the reliability, safety, and continuous improvement of all distillery, barrel warehousing, and distribution maintenance operations.
You'll lead a team of up to 10 skilled technicians, drive toward 95%+ equipment uptime, and partner across production, safety, and engineering to solve problems before they become shutdowns. This role requires strong technical instincts, managerial courage, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do
  • Own maintenance operations across the distillery, barrel warehousing, and distribution - planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution
  • Lead and develop a team of up to 10 skilled maintenance technicians; evaluate performance, identify skill gaps, and build improvement plans
  • Drive 95%+ equipment uptime through a disciplined mix of preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance
  • Manage CMMS utilization and work order systems; reduce MTTR and increase MTBF across critical equipment
  • Ensure safety is engineered into every project - review safety work orders, partner with the Safety Department, and maintain contractor compliance
  • Oversee capital projects and new installations from design through commissioning; write and cost-justify CARs
  • Develop and maintain SOPs for MRO inventory and PM scheduling; ensure GMP and quality standard adherence
  • Champion the 5S initiative and build a culture of continuous improvement within the maintenance team
  • Support a positive, self-directed team culture consistent with Sazerac's values and Collective Bargaining Agreements

What to Expect
This role operates in an active manufacturing environment and requires physical presence on the floor. Candidates should be prepared for:
  • A demanding schedule with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and on-call response as production needs arise
  • Physical requirements including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and working in varying conditions
  • A fast-moving, high-accountability culture where problems get solved - not escalated

Qualifications/Requirements
REQUIRED
PREFERRED
• 5-10 years of maintenance management experience
• Distillery, brewing, or CPG manufacturing experience
• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience in an alcohol beverage environment
• Proven record of 95%+ equipment uptime
• Union environment management
• Experience leading skilled trades teams (union a plus)
• MBA or advanced degree
• CMMS/work order systems proficiency
• Organizational development background
• Project management from concept through commissioning
• 5S / Lean manufacturing experience
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to communicate across all organizational levels
• Physical ability to work on-site: standing, climbing, bending
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