Job Title: Whiskey Distiller
Department: Distillation
Supervisor: Distillation Shift Lead
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Purpose of Job
The Whiskey Distiller is responsible for all hands-on functions throughout the production process of whiskey distillation at Tennessee Distilling Group (TDG). The Distiller is responsible for ensuring that all stages of the productions are performed in accordance to the specifications of each of TDG’s custom orders and produced according to company standards.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
• As a function of processing grain through the distillation process, the Distiller will be expected to perform the following:
• Unload grain trucks
• Perform quality testing procedures on grains including moisture and weight testing
• Collect grain samples
• Oversee the automated process of processing bulk grains through milling and into the cooking process to create a whiskey mash
• Observe gauges and dials to prescribed temperatures according to a defined mash production procedure as part of the grain cooking process
• Observe steam and air valves
• Hand pour and measure enzymes with graduated cylinder to start the fermentation process
• Weigh and measure yeast and yeast ex to start the fermentation process
• Control and monitor the fermentation of the mash used for distillation by testing the pH and gravity at prescribed intervals
• Pump fermented mash to the beer well for distillation and operate pump to move mash
• Clean tanks, cooker, floors, bins, fermenters, etc throughout the distillation process
• Maintain and clean cooking areas of the distillery
• Controls whiskey stills that produce high-proof whiskey distillate
• Maintain control of the whiskey still by pumping fermented mash through the still to strip out alcohol
• Pump spent mash into holding tank
• Monitor and record temperature, pressure, flow rate and proof of alcohol
• Set controls on whiskey still to maintain temperature, alcohol proof and flow rate
• Record production yields at the end of the distillation run
• Proof whiskey distillate down with water to a proper alcohol level for barreling
• Perform cleaning task as prescribed between and during each interval of the process as directed by the Lead Distiller
• Monitor boiler and air compressor functions
• Cross train in other departments to serve as back-up when needed
Requirements
Job Requirements and Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry preferred
• Experience in a production or manufacturing environment preferred
Physical and Mental Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to work a 12 hour production shift
• Frequently required to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, or squat
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Reach with hands and arms
• Talk, hear and communicate with other employees or customers.
• Specific vision ability to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally move more than 50 lbs with assistance of lifting equipment or other team member
• Ability to analyze situations logically to identify causes and draw solid conclusions
• Ability to anticipate the consequences of a situation
• Ability to modify one’s own behavior to meet expectations of others
• Ability to sustain one’s own emotions from interfering with responding effectively to internal and external customer’s needs.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor environments that include extreme cold, wet, or hot weather
• Exposure to steam.
• Exposure to alcohol odor/vapor
• Exposure to moving vehicles such as trucks, forklifts, tow motor, etc
• Exposure to loud and congested work environment
• Maintain regular work attendance during scheduled hours
• Acknowledge and adhere to all company policies
General Requirements
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments.). This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.