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Distillery Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

Chemical Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $22.75/hr

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

Retail Sales Associate

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

Journeyman Distillery is seeking a Retail Sales Associate to join our team and help guests discover our unique, high-quality products. From guiding customers through our selection to offering ...

Facilities Assistant

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$32K - $40K/yr

Journeyman Distillery is seeking a Facilities Assistant to help maintain and enhance the heart of our operations. From historic charm to modern efficiency, our facilities reflect the spirit of our ...

Train on the operation of our Solids Distillation System (SDS) and Distillation Column * Learn to monitor and adjust operating systems, including control panels and valves * Assist with ...

Train on the operation of our Solids Distillation System (SDS) and Distillation Column * Learn to monitor and adjust operating systems, including control panels and valves * Assist with ...

Senior AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Design and run distillation pipelines: use frontier model outputs to generate training data for task-specific open models * Fine-tune and evaluate open-weight models (Llama, Qwen, Mistral, or similar ...

Senior AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Design and run distillation pipelines: use frontier model outputs to generate training data for task-specific open models * Fine-tune and evaluate open-weight models (Llama, Qwen, Mistral, or similar ...

State Manager - Illinois

Chicago, IL · On-site

$142K - $213K/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 ...

State Manager - Illinois

Chicago, IL · On-site

$142K - $213K/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Distillery information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do distillery jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery in Chicago, IL is $19.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

How to start working at a distillery?

To start working at a distillery, gain relevant experience in beverage production or hospitality, and consider obtaining certifications such as a responsible beverage service license if required. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety protocols; applying directly or through industry job boards can help find opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Distillery jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Distillery job openings:

Infographic showing various Distillery job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,335 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Chemical Operator I

Clean Harbors

Chicago, IL • On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Offloads inbound tankers, performs distillation, and samples trucks for laboratory analysis.

  • Completes daily checklists, maintains distillation units, and communicates any issues to management.

  • Ensures work complies with health and safety standards, maintains a clean work environment, and monitors tank levels during processing.


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Clean Harbors Chicago, IL is workingan environmentally friendly solvent recycler, is looking to add several Solvent Process Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO TRAVEL! We are looking for dedicated individuals with a flexible schedule to work night shift. This is a unique opportunity to learn interesting Chemical Processes - company provided training!
Shift: Nights (7pm-7am) 3/2 Split Schedule
Pay: $24 w/$1.75 SD pay added for Night Shift
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority, and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages with overtime opportunities.
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Group 401K with company matching component.
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Positive and safe work environments

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times.

You will be trained on the following:
  • Offloads inbound tankers and performs distillation instructed by the laboratory.
  • Sampling of trucks to laboratory.
  • Completes daily checklist as required for proper operation of the Distillation units.
  • Assures unit has daily maintenance duties performed and communicates any problems or issues with the Distillation units immediately upon discovery.
  • Assures Distillation units are never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is not consistent with Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensure that the processing unit is operating according to the issued guidelines and process specifications.
  • Decants material pumping off excess sludge, also does a washout of still between batches to ensure no cross contamination.
  • Reviews all applicable SOP's and scores satisfactorily on quizzes.
  • Completes and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking movements, as well as scanning applications.
  • Ensures that work meets all applicable Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensures, understands and has ownership for area specific permit required compliance standards.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Maintain accurate Logs / run sheets.
  • Monitor tank levels while in process using gauges and PLC monitoring equipment checking high level alarms and pumps.
  • Understands Clean Compliance Standard.
  • Performs other duties and tasks as assigned from time to time by management and will be required by the needs of the Clean Harbors business

Qualifications
What does it take to work at Clean Harbors?
  • High School diploma or equivalent required;
  • Must be 18 years or older;
  • 1+ Years of related experience;
  • Fork lift experience preferred (Not Required);
  • Ability to use computer;
  • Ability to lift 50 or more pounds;

Clean Harbors, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.
Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.™
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US