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Distillery Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Distillation and dehydration * Evaporation and drying systems (DDGS/Fiber/HSW/etc..) These products and systems are produced through core unit operations such as: * Enzymatic hydrolysis and ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a dry mill ethanol plant. Primary functions are to operate machines and the computer control system ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a dry mill ethanol plant. Primary functions are to operate machines and the computer control system ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a dry mill ethanol plant. Primary functions are to operate machines and the computer control system ...

Sazerac Company

Space Planning Analyst

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$92K - $138K/yr

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 ...

Smithfield Foods

Hog Barn Supervisor

Denison, IA

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something ...

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Hog Barn Supervisor

Denison, IA · On-site

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something ...

Golden Grain Energy LLC

Material Handler

Mason City, IA · On-site

$23/hr

Load Dried Distiller Grains in semi-trucks and railcars * Load ethanol in tank cars meeting all federal, state, and local hazardous material regulations * Operate heavy machinery and equipment to ...

Golden Grain Energy LLC

Material Handler

Mason City, IA

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Load Dried Distiller Grains in semi-trucks and railcars * Load ethanol in tank cars meeting all federal, state, and local hazardous material regulations * Operate heavy machinery and equipment to ...

Golden Grain Energy LLC

Material Handler

Mason City, IA · On-site

$23/hr

Load Dried Distiller Grains in semi-trucks and railcars * Load ethanol in tank cars meeting all federal, state, and local hazardous material regulations * Operate heavy machinery and equipment to ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Some examples include: distillation, evaporation, reactors and dryers. * Experience with optimization/analytical processes and tools. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Knowledge of seed preparation, extraction, distillation, refining, grain handling, drying, and utility systems. * Participation in Performance Excellence initiatives, including Losses to Action ...

Cambrex

Senior Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $21.50/hr

Operates batch and continuous type reactors, high pressure reactors, filters, solvent distillation equipment, centrifuges and supporting equipment, all according to designated procedures. * Trains ...

Cambrex

Chem 2 Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $19.75/hr

Operate batch and continuous type reactors, high pressure reactors, centrifuges, filters, solvent distillation equipment and supporting equipment involved in testing, all according to designated ...

Cambrex

Pharma Operator

Charles City, IA

$16 - $21.50/hr

Operate batch and continuous type reactors, high pressure reactors, centrifuges, filters, solvent distillation equipment and supporting equipment involved in testing, all according to designated ...

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All JobsDistillery JobsDistillery Jobs in Iowa

Distillery information

See Iowa salary details

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$31

How much do distillery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery in Iowa is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Distillery Worker, you need knowledge of brewing and distillation processes, attention to detail, and often a background in food science or chemistry. Familiarity with fermentation tanks, stills, quality testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow precise instructions set outstanding workers apart. These skills ensure the production of high-quality spirits, maintain safety and compliance standards, and support efficient operations.

What is the difference between Distillery vs Brewer?

AspectDistilleryBrewer
CredentialsDistillation certification, alcohol licensingBrewing certification, fermentation knowledge
Work EnvironmentDistillation facilities, production floorsBrewpubs, breweries, production lines
Industry UsageSpirit production (whiskey, vodka, rum)Beer production (lager, ale, stout)
Common Search/ComparisonDistillery jobsBrewer jobs

While both roles involve beverage production, a distillery focuses on creating spirits through distillation, requiring specific licenses and expertise in alcohol separation. A brewer specializes in brewing beer through fermentation, with skills centered around brewing processes. Both roles are essential in the alcohol industry but differ in techniques, equipment, and end products.

What are distillery jobs?

Distillery jobs focus on brewing, bottling, and shipping alcohol. As a distiller, you may use your knowledge of the craft to create unique drinks, support the production of brand-name products, or generally ensure that distilling operations continue as intended. Many parts of the brewing process must occur on a short deadline, so distillers occasionally work unusual hours when producing specialty products. Some distilleries focus on specific products, such as whiskey, while others create a wider selection of products. Outside of creating alcoholic drinks, can also find work as an engineer who maintains the machines, a driver who transports products to and from the distillery, or a manager who oversees daily operations.

What is a distillery?

A distillery is a facility where alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin are produced through the process of distillation. Distillation involves heating a fermented liquid to separate alcohol from water and other components, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol. Distilleries can range from small craft operations to large-scale industrial plants, and they often include areas for fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. Many distilleries also offer tours and tastings to educate visitors about the production process and the history of their spirits.

What are some common challenges faced by distillery operators, and how can they be addressed?

Distillery operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, adhering to strict safety and sanitation standards, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Addressing these issues requires strong attention to detail, regular equipment maintenance, and a solid understanding of the distillation process. Collaboration with quality control teams and ongoing training in best practices can help operators stay ahead of potential problems and ensure smooth, efficient production.

Is it fun to work at a distillery?

Working as a distillery worker can be enjoyable for those interested in beverage production and craftsmanship. The job often involves hands-on tasks, teamwork, and working in a lively environment, which can be rewarding for individuals passionate about spirits and brewing processes.
More about Distillery jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Distillery jobs in Iowa? For Distillery jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distillery jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Distillery jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Distillery jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Distillery job openings:
Distillery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distillery job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,748 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 359 rated logistics

Job description

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA
This is an exempt level position
Position Summary
The Ethanol Technology Manager supports plant process areas related to the production and optimization of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and co-products within dry and wet mill operations.
Primary process areas include:
  • Grain handling and preparation
  • Liquefaction and saccharification
  • Fermentation
  • Distillation and dehydration
  • Evaporation and drying systems (DDGS/Fiber/HSW/etc..)
These products and systems are produced through core unit operations such as:
  • Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation
  • Distillation and molecular sieve dehydration
  • Evaporation and thermal drying
  • Centrifugation and separation
  • Heat integration and energy systems
  • CIP and chemical treatment systems
This role focuses on continuous improvement, optimization, and reliability of ethanol plants, while collaborating across multiple facilities to standardize best practices and drive performance.
The technology manager will act as a resource for all plant operations leader and organizational engineers in the application of engineering principles to process design, troubleshooting, and deployment of new technologies, ensuring plant systems operate at safe, optimal, and cost-effective conditions.
This position plays a key role in achieving production targets, yield maximization, energy reduction, and carbon intensity improvements.
Essential Job Functions
  • Demonstrate technology leadership and promote a strong process safety culture.
  • Benchmark ethanol plant performance (yield, energy, uptime) against internal and external best-in-class operations and drive improvements.
  • Standardize and replicate best practices across ethanol sites, including fermentation efficiency, dryer performance, and energy usage.
  • Manage and prioritize a portfolio of process improvement and capital projects across site operations.
  • Collaborate with corporate and plant teams to align on technology deployment, modernization, and automation opportunities.
  • Evaluate and implement new process technologies (e.g., enzyme systems, fermentation controls, heat integration, CO capture).
  • Provide hands-on support in troubleshooting process bottlenecks (fermentation upsets, distillation inefficiencies, dryer constraints).
  • Establish and track KPIs: ethanol yield, DDGS quality, energy usage (BTU/gal), uptime, and chemical usage.
  • Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement reliability and efficiency improvements.
  • Mentor plant engineers and operators on process optimization and best practices.
  • Establish and maintain regular contact and communications with the managers and superintendents at the target support facilities
Required Skills
  • Strong commitment to process safety and operational excellence.
  • Deep understanding of ethanol-related unit operations:
    • Fermentation kinetics
    • Distillation & molecular sieve systems
    • Evaporation and drying
    • Centrifugation and separation
    • Heat exchangers, utilities, and energy systems
  • Experience in process optimization and yield improvement using data analytics and plant KPIs.
  • Ability to work effectively across operations, engineering, and leadership teams.
  • Working knowledge of PFDs, P&IDs, mass & energy balances, and control strategies.
  • Willingness to work in plant environments and travel to support multiple sites.
  • Results-driven with strong problem-solving capability.
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • or related technical field
Required Experience
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in ethanol and or bioprocessing operations
  • Strong background in process engineering, operations support, or plant leadership
Desired Experience
  • Experience in ethanol plant operations leadership or advanced process technology roles
  • Exposure to:
    • Advanced process control (APC)
    • Fermentation optimization / enzyme technology
    • Energy reduction initiatives
    • Carbon intensity / CO capture strategies
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:110487

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