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Distillery Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Cannabis Lab Lead

Otsego, MN · On-site

$26.50/hr

The ideal candidate is comfortable on the floor running extraction and distillation, follows SOPs closely, and keeps accurate records. The Lab Lead executes processing operations. Including ethanol ...

Responsible for producing ethanol, distiller's grain, corn oil and other co-products. Those responsibilities include but are not limited to the operation and cleaning of the: corn grind system, cook ...

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism IFS - Clients & Markets Management Level Manager & Summary The Opportunity As a Martech Developer- Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving strategic ...

Manager-Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Description Our commitment to quality is unparalleled. Bold flavors define us and fresh food enriches us. We are leading the way in the food lifestyle category and we're looking for smart, dedicated ...

Manager-Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Description Our commitment to quality is unparalleled. Bold flavors define us and fresh food enriches us. We are leading the way in the food lifestyle category and we're looking for smart, dedicated ...

Lab Technician

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

This position is responsible for assisting with lab production, which includes but is not limited to distillation, extraction, winterization and production of cannabis infused products. Our ideal ...

Lab Technician

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$20 - $20.75/hr

This position is responsible for assisting with lab production, which includes but is not limited to distillation, extraction, winterization and production of cannabis infused products. Our ideal ...

BEs must have the ability to immerse themselves in order to obtain an extensive level of knowledge including Category, Product Distillation/Production and Brand with the ability to pass exams testing ...

BEs must have the ability to immerse themselves in order to obtain an extensive level of knowledge including Category, Product Distillation/Production and Brand with the ability to pass exams testing ...

BEs must have the ability to immerse themselves in order to obtain an extensive level of knowledge including Category, Product Distillation/Production and Brand with the ability to pass exams testing ...

BEs must have the ability to immerse themselves in order to obtain an extensive level of knowledge including Category, Product Distillation/Production and Brand with the ability to pass exams testing ...

BEs must have the ability to immerse themselves in order to obtain an extensive level of knowledge including Category, Product Distillation/Production and Brand with the ability to pass exams testing ...

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Distillery information

See Minnesota salary details

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How much do distillery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery in Minnesota is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $20.72 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Distillery jobs in Minnesota? For Distillery jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distillery jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Distillery jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Distillery jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Distillery job openings:
Infographic showing various Distillery job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Cannabis Lab & Extraction Manager

Cannabis Lab & Extraction Manager

Vireo Health

Elk River, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Vireo Health rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 31 rated cannabis dispensaries


Job description

Who we are: 

At Vireo Health, we’re not just another cannabis company—we’re a movement. Founded by physicians and driven by innovation, we blend science, technology, and passion to create top-tier cannabis products and experiences. Our team of 500+ bold creators and trailblazers are shaping the future of the industry, and we want you to be part of it.
We take pride in being one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces in cannabis, fostering a culture where everyone belongs. Through employee engagement, community events, and non-profit partnerships, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a community.
As we rapidly expand nationwide, we’re looking for talented, driven, and passionate people to join us. If you’re ready to turn your passion into a career, let’s grow the future together.

What the role is about:

We are seeking an experienced, technically strong, and hands-on leader to manage our cannabis processing lab. The ideal candidate is a working manager who is equally comfortable on the floor running extraction and distillation as they are leading a team, owning SOPs, and partnering across the business. 

The Lab Manager oversees all processing operations, including ethanol extraction, winterization, decarboxylation, wiped film and short path distillation, and the formulation and production of finished goods such as vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, and oral solutions. This role owns the safety, quality, throughput, and compliance of the lab, including SOP development, batch record integrity, equipment uptime, and adherence to state cannabis regulations. The Lab Manager leads, trains, and develops a team of lab technicians and partners closely with QA, Cultivation, and Operations. This position reports directly to the Operations Manager. 

What impact you'll make:

  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, including scheduling, staffing, and workflow across extraction, distillation, formulation, and kitchen teams. 

  • Oversee ethanol extraction operations, including solvent recovery, winterization, and filtration, ensuring yield, quality, and safety targets are consistently met. 

  • Direct distillation processes using wiped film and short path systems to produce high-purity distillate that meets product specifications. 

  • Lead formulation development and execution for finished goods, including vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, balms, and oral solutions. 

  • Develop, validate, and maintain SOPs for all extraction, distillation, and formulation processes, ensuring consistency, repeatability, and regulatory compliance. 

  • Maintain accurate batch records, equipment logs, and inventory of solvents, raw materials, and finished intermediates in compliance with state cannabis regulations and seed-to-sale tracking requirements. 

  • Manage preventive maintenance, calibration, and qualification of lab equipment, including extractors, rotary evaporators, wiped film and short path units, homogenizers, and filling equipment. 

  • Ensure lab safety, including ethanol handling, C1D2 compliance, PPE use, and emergency response readiness. 

  • Train, mentor, and evaluate lab technicians. Build technical depth across the team and drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 

  • Identify and implement process improvements to increase yield, reduce cycle time, and lower cost per unit across the lab. 

  • Other duties as assigned. 

What you've accomplished:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. 

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in cannabis, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food-grade extraction and manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a lab leadership role. 

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, is required. 

  • Demonstrated expertise in ethanol extraction and downstream processing (winterization, decarboxylation, solvent recovery). 

  • Hands-on operating experience with wiped film and short path distillation systems; able to troubleshoot, optimize, and validate runs. 

  • Strong formulation experience across multiple product formats, including vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, and oral solutions. 

  • Proven ability to author and maintain SOPs, batch records, and validation protocols. 

  • Strong understanding of analytical methods and how to interpret COAs to make production decisions. 

  • Experience with seed-to-sale systems (METRC) preferred. 

  • Demonstrated leadership: hiring, training, performance management, and developing technical talent. 

  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across teams. 

  • Excellent attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, execution, and teamwork. 

  • Must be 21+ and able to pass a state-required background check for cannabis industry employment. 

What We Offer:

  • Compensation: $80,000-85,000 annually depending on experience
  • Relocation may be considered on a case by case basis depending on experience level
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance on the first of the month after you begin employment
  • Competitive additional benefits including HSA, FSA, Dependable Care, EAP services, etc.
  • 11 Days of accrued PTO in addition to 2 Wellness Days & Volunteer Hours that will increase with tenure
  • 401k program with an employer match after six months of employment
Why Choose Vireo?
Life’s too short to work somewhere that doesn’t ignite your passion. The cannabis industry is fast-paced, innovative, and full of opportunity—where science meets creativity, and wellness meets culture.  
At Vireo Health, we’re pioneering the future of cannabis with a team that’s as dynamic as the industry itself. Here, you’ll find a workplace that’s collaborative, inclusive, and driven by HEART and purpose, where your work has a real impact on people’s lives.  
Whether you’re cultivating the highest-quality plants, crafting cutting-edge products, or shaping unforgettable customer experiences, you’ll be part of something bigger. If you’re looking for a career that’s exciting, meaningful, and full of growth, let’s build the future of cannabis together.  
✅ A Growing Industry: Work at the leading tech company in the cannabis industry and help shape the future 
✅ Passionate Culture: Join a team that truly cares about the plant, the people, and the purpose behind what we do 
✅ Employee Perks: Enjoy competitive pay and benefits, paid time off and employee discounts 
✅ Making an Impact: We’re committed to education, sustainability, and giving back to the communities we serve.

EEO Statement 
Vireo Health, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. www.vireohealth.com 

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