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Distillery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a National Historic Landmark spanning 450 acres in Frankfort, Kentucky ... Deliver impactful technical training to maintenance technicians, mechanics, and operators ...

Veolia

Distillation Operator I

West Carrollton, OH

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Run distillation units by connecting feed, product, and sludge tanks and apply proper amount of heat from boilers and maintain operating hourly logs to insure that unit is operating at peak ...

Journeyman Distillery

Warehouse Operator

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

The Warehouse Operator plays a key role in supporting daily distillery and restaurant operations by ensuring the safe handling, movement, and transport of goods between facilities. This position ...

Jetty Extracts

Distillation Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining distillation equipment to separate and purify substances through distillation under reduced pressure. Your duties will include ...

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Distillery Operator information

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How much do distillery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distillery operator?

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 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 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 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.

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Distillery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distillery Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Title (External) Maintenance Supervisor - Buffalo Trace Distillery

On-site

Buffalo Trace Distillery
See more jobs at Buffalo Trace Distilleryexternal

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description/Responsibilities

The opportunity:

This is not your average maintenance role. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a National Historic Landmark spanning 450 acres in Frankfort, Kentucky — a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka with a tradition dating back to 1773. The campus is a living piece of American history, with a legacy shaped by legends such as E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, and Elmer T. Lee.

As Maintenance Supervisor, you will hold the keys to keeping this entire iconic campus running at peak performance. This is a campus-wide leadership role — not a single-line or single-building assignment. You will command a skilled team of mechanics and electricians, drive a culture of operational excellence, and leave your mark on one of the most celebrated distilleries in the world.

What you'll do:

Lead Campus-Wide Maintenance Operations

  • Direct and supervise mechanics and electricians across the full 450-acre campus, ensuring distillery, bottling, and packaging lines operate at peak efficiency.
  • Serve as the primary maintenance leader for the entire site — anticipating challenges, resolving issues proactively, and setting the standard for operational excellence.
  • Plan and implement campus-wide operational and mechanical improvements, contributing to long‑term infrastructure strategies.

Drive Team Success & Build a Winning Culture

  • Inspire, coach, and develop your maintenance team — creating a culture where every technician is empowered to grow, excel, and take pride in maintaining a world‑class facility.
  • Motivate your team with clear goals, structured development plans, and consistent recognition of high performance.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Deliver impactful technical training to maintenance technicians, mechanics, and operators, elevating skill levels across the board.

Ensure Safety, Quality & Compliance — Always

  • Champion a safety‑first mindset across every inch of the campus — leading by example, conducting inspections, and ensuring co‑workers never work unsafely.
  • Ensure all equipment is installed, set up, and maintained in full compliance with package specifications, Food Safety, OSHA, HACCP, and Environmental Policies.
  • Analyze and resolve quality problems related to the Maintenance Department swiftly and decisively.

Optimize Performance & Manage Resources

  • Track efficiencies and production data to continuously improve yields and output across all campus operations.
  • Assist in preparing and managing annual operating budgets for the Maintenance Department, reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Evaluate employee performance, identify skill gaps, and build targeted improvement plans that move the needle.
Qualifications/Requirements

What you'll bring:

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 3+ years of relevant maintenance leadership experience
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Good vision and manual dexterity

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in beverage processing or distillery/manufacturing environments
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
  • 4+ years designing and/or implementing OSHA, HACCP, or USDA programs

Working hours are 6pm-6am on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule

Why join our team?

  • Lead maintenance across one of America’s most iconic and historic distilleries
  • Shape the future of a 450-acre campus that is a National Historic Landmark
  • Join a company with 20+ consecutive years of double-digit growth
  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and a culture that invests in your development
  • Be part of the team behind the world’s most award‑winning distillery

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