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Distillery Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Journeyman Distillery

Bottling Lead

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

Journeyman Distillery will never sell a drop of spirits that we didn't produce. As a grain-to-glass ... Participate in updating and maintaining all bottling Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). * Assist ...

Coppercraft Distillery

Market Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

Crafted at our distillery in Holland, Michigan, our portfolio comprises iconic, award-winning ... operating with influence, clarity, and accountability in a distributed sales model. DUTIES AND ...

Piramal Pharma Limited

Lab Scale Operator

Riverview, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

The Lab Scale Operator will contribute to the development and scaled up laboratory production of ... distillation, drying, and packaging. * Document observations from experiments in notebooks and ...

Piramal Pharma Limited

Lab Scale Operator

Riverview, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

The Lab Scale Operator will contribute to the development and scaled up laboratory production of ... distillation, drying, and packaging. * Document observations from experiments in notebooks and ...

Windquest

Market Manager

Holland, MI

Crafted at our distillery in Holland, Michigan, our portfolio comprises iconic, award-winning ... operating with influence, clarity, and accountability in a distributed sales model. DUTIES AND ...

Workbox Staffing

Production Assistant

Sparta, MI

$18/hr

... operations, operating equipment such as the distiller, floor scrubber, and Flexo Wash to support cleanliness and production flow, and assisting with press operations including hanging rolls ...

Windquest

Market Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

Crafted at our distillery in Holland, Michigan, our portfolio comprises iconic, award-winning ... operating with influence, clarity, and accountability in a distributed sales model. DUTIES AND ...

Workbox Staffing

Production Assistant

Sparta, MI

$19/hr

... operations, operating equipment such as the distiller, floor scrubber, and Flexo Wash to support cleanliness and production flow, and assisting with press operations including hanging rolls ...

Windquest Group

Market Manager

Holland, MI

Crafted at our distillery in Holland, Michigan, our portfolio comprises iconic, award-winning ... operating with influence, clarity, and accountability in a distributed sales model. DUTIES AND ...

Journeyman Distillery

Server

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

Demonstrate proficiency in operating POS systems and handling various payment terminals. * Follow all health and safety regulations, maintain sanitation standards, and complete required training ...

Journeyman Distillery

Seasonal Server

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

Demonstrate proficiency in operating POS systems and handling various payment terminals. * Follow all health and safety regulations, maintain sanitation standards, and complete required training ...

Bay Mills Indian Community

Dental Assistant

Brimley, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Clean and disinfect dental operating area following patient encounters and prepare the treatment ... Established verbal/written policy to be followed in relation to traps, autoclave, distiller and all ...

DTE Energy

Utility Technician - ByProducts

River Rouge, MI · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Work with the rotating operating crew to safely and efficiently operate the byproducts plant ... Understanding of chemical processes, including distillation and chemical reactors * Familiar with ...

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All JobsDistillery Operator JobsDistillery Operator Jobs in Michigan

Distillery Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do distillery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery operator in Michigan is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by distillery operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Distillery operators often face challenges such as maintaining equipment efficiency, adhering to strict safety protocols, and ensuring product quality throughout the distillation process. These can be managed by following preventive maintenance schedules, staying up-to-date with safety and quality procedures, and working closely with team members such as quality control technicians and maintenance staff. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth operations in the distillery environment.

What are Distillery Operators?

Distillery Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the production of spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or gin in a distillery. They manage the distillation process, monitor equipment, ensure quality control, and maintain safety standards. Their duties often include measuring and mixing ingredients, operating machinery, recording production data, and conducting routine maintenance. Distillery Operators play a key role in ensuring that the final product meets required specifications and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Distillery Operator vs Bottling Line Worker?

AspectDistillery OperatorBottling Line Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentDistillery production floor, handling fermentation and distillation equipmentBottling line, packaging spirits into bottles
Industry UsageUsed in distilleries for alcohol productionUsed in bottling plants for packaging

Distillery Operators focus on the production process, including fermentation and distillation, while Bottling Line Workers handle packaging and bottling. Both roles require safety training and are essential in alcohol manufacturing, but they differ in daily tasks and equipment used.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distillery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distillery Operator, you need a solid understanding of distillation processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or industry-specific certification. Familiarity with control systems, quality testing tools, and maintenance procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production in a regulated and fast-paced environment.
What are popular job titles related to Distillery Operator jobs in Michigan? For Distillery Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distillery Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Distillery Operator jobs in Michigan are:
Distillery Operator jobs near you
Barrel & Blending Operator

Barrel & Blending Operator

Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Traverse City, MI • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Our Company
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is an award-winning craft distillery producing premium whiskey and spirits in the heart of Michigan's cherry country. We're entering an exciting growth phase, with the opening of a state-of-the-art whiskey production facility and visitor center. As a brand rooted in tradition and innovation, we're passionate about creating world-class products that whiskey lovers across the nation
enjoy.
Position Summary
Traverse City Whiskey Company is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Barrel & Blending Operator to join our growing team. This dynamic position offers a unique opportunity to engage in all aspects of whiskey production, focusing on Barrel Management, Distilling, and Blending. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, technical aptitude, and a deep appreciation for crafting high-quality spirits.
As a Barrel & Blending Operator, you will play a vital role in creating the blends that define our brand, while managing the movement and care of barrels in our new 15,000-barrel rickhouse and overseeing the distillation and management of a variety of mashbills.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Barrel Management:
    • Safely and efficiently move barrels in and out of our 15,000-barrel rickhouse, ensuring
      proper stacking, spacing, and storage techniques.
    • Conduct routine barrel inspections to identify and address issues such as leaks,
      evaporation, or contamination.
    • Maintain detailed and accurate records of barrel movements, inventory updates, and
      aging progress using tracking software or manual logs.
    • Clean and sanitize barrels and storage areas to uphold quality standards.
    • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment to handle barrels safely.
  • Distilling:
    • Operate, monitor, and adjust distillation equipment to produce a range of mashbills with
      precision and consistency.
    • Measure and document critical process parameters, including temperature, proof, and
      yield, ensuring compliance with production standards.
    • Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform routine maintenance, minimizing downtime
      while ensuring safety.
    • Work closely with the production team to refine and experiment with distillation
      processes, contributing to innovation in our product lineup.
    • Ensure adherence to all safety and regulatory guidelines for distillation operations.
  • Blending:
    • Execute blending recipes with a high degree of accuracy to maintain the quality and
      character of Traverse City Whiskey products.
    • Dump barrels, filter contents, and prepare blends for bottling or further aging, adhering to
      strict cleanliness and quality protocols.
    • Collaborate with the blending team to analyze flavor profiles, recommend adjustments,
      and develop new blends.
    • Maintain detailed blending records to ensure traceability and consistency across batches.
    • Perform quality checks at each step of the blending process, addressing variances
      promptly.

Skills & Qualifications:
  • Experience: Prior experience in distilling, blending, or barrel management in a spirits production facility is strongly preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with distillation and barrel-handling equipment. Proficiency with inventory tracking software is a plus.
  • Attention to Detail: High level of precision and focus, ensuring quality and consistency in all aspects of production.
  • Teamwork: Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to Excellence: Passion for the craft of whiskey-making and a dedication to maintaining and elevating Traverse City Whiskey Company's standards.
  • Forklift Operation: Certification or demonstrated experience operating forklifts safely and
    efficiently in an industrial or warehouse environment is required.

Why This Role is Exciting:
If you enjoy working hands-on, finding creative solutions, and are passionate about maintaining a high-functioning environment, this position is perfect for you. Your contributions will be essential to keeping our distillery and tasting rooms running efficiently and safely while enabling Traverse City Whiskey Co. to pursue continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements/Other
  • Travel: <5%
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended
    periods.
  • Lifting may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
    disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to safely lift and maneuver heavy barrels (up to 500 lbs. with proper equipment)
  • Works in varying environments including Warm, Cold, or Wet Areas

This position is not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Job Type: Full time
Job Area: Operations and Production
Equal Opportunity
Traverse City Whiskey Co.is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Traverse City Whiskey Co., regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).
Compensation: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Traverse City Whiskey Co. - "The Whiskey of the North" - is a fast growing, ten-year-old distillery based in northern Michigan. The Company distributes its whiskey expressions across 28 states. The company also distributes a nationwide line of artisan cocktail supplies, including Premium Cocktail Cherries, Simple Syrup and a full line-up of cocktail mixers (under the Cocktail Crate brand).

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