ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Distillery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... These include but are not limited to Cookers and Distillation column. Other duties will include ...

CleanHarbors

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... These include but are not limited to Cookers and Distillation column. Other duties will include ...

Clean Harbors

Chemical Operator

Hebron, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

... Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all ... These include but are not limited to Cookers and Distillation column. Other duties will include ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDistillery Operator Jobs

Distillery Operator information

See salary details

$14

$19

$26

How much do distillery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 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.
More about Distillery Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Distillery Operator jobs? Cities with the most Distillery Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery Operator jobs? The most popular types of Distillery Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Distillery Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Distillery Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Distillery Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Distillery Operator jobs are:
Distillery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distillery Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Distillery Maintenance Manager

Distillery Maintenance Manager

Sazerac Company

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Sazerac rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 383 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Sazerac Company Overview
Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.
We're proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.
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
#LI-JC1

What Sazerac employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply