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Kentucky Cooperage Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sazerac Company

Multi-Job Line Worker

Medon, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and ... As a Cooperage Utility, you'll receive training in various production functions and provide support ...

Sazerac Company

Multi-Job Line Worker

Medon, TN

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and ... As a Cooperage Utility, you'll receive training in various production functions and provide support ...

Korbel

... bulk whiskey and cooperage. * Shape transportation strategy to support Route to Consumer ... Working Arrangement In-office at the Brown-Forman Louisville, Kentucky Corporate Headquarters ...

All JobsManufacturing JobsKentucky Cooperage Jobs

Kentucky Cooperage information

See salary details

$11K

$115.3K

$250K

How much do kentucky cooperage jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for kentucky cooperage in the United States is $115,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $250,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Kentucky Cooperage?

A Kentucky Cooperage is a facility where skilled craftsmen, known as coopers, create and repair wooden barrels, primarily for the aging of bourbon and other spirits. The process involves selecting quality oak, shaping the staves, assembling the barrel, and charring the interior to enhance the flavor of the spirits. Kentucky is renowned for its cooperages due to its prominent bourbon industry, and these barrels are essential for giving bourbon its distinctive taste and character. The craft requires traditional techniques, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how wood interacts with spirits.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone working at Kentucky Cooperage?

Employees at Kentucky Cooperage are typically involved in the hands-on manufacturing of barrels, which includes tasks like selecting and preparing staves, assembling barrels, toasting and charring the wood, and performing quality checks. Team members often work in a collaborative, production-line environment where attention to detail and safety are paramount. The role can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to handle tools and machinery and to work efficiently to meet production goals. Regular communication with supervisors and coworkers is essential to ensure each barrel meets the company's high standards for quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooper at Kentucky Cooperage, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooper at Kentucky Cooperage, you need strong manual dexterity, woodworking abilities, and a good understanding of barrel construction, often learned through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized cooperage tools and machinery such as hoop drivers, planers, and stave jointers is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help set individuals apart in this craft. These skills ensure the production of high-quality barrels crucial for aging spirits, directly impacting product quality and company reputation.

What is the difference between Kentucky Cooperage vs Barrel Maker?

AspectKentucky CooperageBarrel Maker
CredentialsTypically requires woodworking skills, apprenticeship, or related certificationsSimilar skills; often the same certifications or experience needed
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facility focused on barrel production for spirits and wineWorkshop or factory setting, often in cooperage or woodworking industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in barrel construction for beverage agingBroader term, may include various types of barrels and containers

Both Kentucky Cooperage and Barrel Maker roles involve woodworking skills and work in manufacturing environments. Kentucky Cooperage typically refers to a company specializing in barrel production for spirits, while Barrel Maker is a more general term that can apply to various types of barrels. The roles often overlap in skills and industry, but Kentucky Cooperage emphasizes the specific craft of barrel making for the beverage industry.

More about Kentucky Cooperage jobs

What cities are hiring for Kentucky Cooperage jobs?

Cities with the most Kentucky Cooperage job openings:

What states have the most Kentucky Cooperage jobs?

States with the most job openings for Kentucky Cooperage jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Kentucky Cooperage jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Kentucky Cooperage jobs are:

Kentucky Cooperage jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kentucky Cooperage job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,291 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Safety Specialist-Kentucky Cooperage

Lebanon, KY • On-site

Independent Stave Company
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Independent Stave Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Independent Stave Company rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary
The Site Safety Specialist ensures a safe and compliant work environment throughout the facility. This role manages daily safety operations, leads incident response and reporting, oversees safety programs and training, and supports food safety (GMP) initiatives. The position collaborates with supervisors, employees, and vendors to address hazards, maintain compliance, and foster a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Safety Oversight
  • Conduct routine plant walkthroughs and safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
  • Monitor general plant conditions, including housekeeping and GMP standards.
  • Track and resolve safety concerns, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
  • Maintain daily safety reports and documentation.
  • Check and maintain eyewash stations and other emergency equipment.
  • Monitor PPE needs (e.g., earplugs) and coordinate restocking.
  • Coordinate site OAKS observations.

Incident Management
  • Handle injury reporting and documentation.
  • Lead accident investigations and identify root causes.
  • Coordinate follow-up care, including doctor appointments and return-to-work tracking.
  • Manage workers' compensation reporting and communication.
  • Track recordable injuries and milestone reporting

Safety Programs & Compliance
  • Maintain and update Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct hazard identification and implement corrective actions.
  • Support ISO 14001 awareness and compliance efforts
  • Oversee safety systems and resolve related issues.

Training & Communication
  • Coordinate and deliver safety training, including:
  • Annual safety training
  • Forklift certification and evaluations
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training and audits
  • Hearing conservation program
  • Organize and distribute weekly toolbox talks.
  • Lead monthly safety committee meetings, set agendas, document discussions, and follow up on action items.

Equipment & Supplies
  • Manage safety and supply inventory, including first-aid and janitorial supplies.
  • Coordinate inspections (e.g., annual crane inspections)
  • Oversee safety-related purchasing and coordinate with vendors.

Food Safety / GMP Responsibilities
  • Oversee daily GMP compliance and sanitation practices.
  • Manage the master cleaning schedule.
  • Lead or support food safety meetings and training.
  • Track and complete corrective actions from food safety audits.
  • Prepare for internal and external audits.
  • Monitor chemical logs and ensure timely reporting.
  • Assist with supplier surveys and food safety documentation.

Additional Duties
  • Administer safety incentive and bonus programs.
  • Support employee safety needs, including footwear and prescription safety glasses.
  • Coordinate seasonal safety efforts (e.g., heat relief measures)

Qualifications
  • Experience in safety, environmental health, or a related field preferred.
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations and general safety practices required.
  • Familiarity with GMP or food safety standards is a plus.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills required.
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on tasks required.

Work Style
  • Maintain a hands-on, visible presence on the floor.
  • Be comfortable addressing issues directly and working with employees at all levels.
  • Manage multiple priorities and respond to issues as they arise.

Employee Benefits
Independent Stave Company offers competitive compensation and benefits to employees at each of our facilities. Domestic benefits include:
Competitive Pay & Bonuses
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation
  • Continuing Education
  • 401(k) (Employer match equal to 50% of your "eligible contributions.")

Apply online or in person at: Kentucky Cooperage
712 E Main St
Lebanon, KY 40033
Our Culture
Our people are passionate about their craft and take pride in their contribution to the wine and spirits industry, supporting our mission to craft world-class oak barrels and other cooperage products so that our employees, customers and communities flourish.
We are always looking for hard-working people to join our team. A great work-ethic, dedication, and reliability are a few of the characteristics that we look for.
Independent Stave Company is a drug-free workplace with a focus on communication to ensure the health and safety of our employees.
Independent Stave Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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