Job Overview
Louisiana Spirits LLC is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious Distillery Operations Technician to join our team at our state-of-the-art facility in Lacassine, LA. This role plays a key part in supporting all aspects of spirit production, from raw ingredient handling to final product readiness, including fermentation, distillation, blending, barreling, and bottling operations.
The Distillery Operations Technician will work closely with the production team to ensure consistent quality, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. This is a physically active role requiring mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a passion for crafting high-quality spirits.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Production & Blending
- Execute production orders per written instructions, including aligning hoses and pumps between tanks, monitoring flowmeters, and ensuring precise blending volumes.
- Conduct filtration processes, monitoring flow rates and pressure as required.
- Move high volumes of alcohol to and from barrels, including aligning hoses, pumps, and filters, and emptying/filling barrels per written instructions.
- Handle and move filled and empty barrels safely and efficiently.
- Support other production and blending operations as required.
- Fermentation & Mash Preparation
- Prepare and mix raw materials (molasses, sugar, water, yeast, nutrients) according to written standard operating procedures (SOPs), formulations and batch sheets to create mash for fermentation.
- Load prepared mash into fermenters, ensuring accurate volumes and proper conditions for fermentation.
- Monitor and record fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, brix, time, and other key indicators) at required intervals.
- Detect and report any deviations or potential issues in fermentation (such as abnormal aroma, pH shifts, or stuck fermentation).
- Maintain accurate logs and records for all fermentation and mash preparation activities in compliance with federal, state, and company requirements.
- Distillation (Pot Still)
- Operate, monitor, and maintain pot still equipment during the distillation, following all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.
- Prepare the pot still for each batch, including cleaning, loading wash/mash, securing all fittings, and verifying readiness.
- Measure, record, and track key distillation parameters (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, collection volumes, and proof/alcohol content) throughout the distillation process.
- Make necessary adjustments to pot still operation based on process observations, quality requirements, and supervisor direction.
- Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on pot stills, related piping, pumps, and collection vessels.
- Complete and maintain accurate production logs, batch records, and compliance documentation as required by federal, state, and company regulations.
- Report any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or product irregularities to a supervisor immediately.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in all distillation areas.
- Cleaning, Sanitation, and Laboratory
- Perform cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sanitation of fermenters, stills, tanks and related piping/hoses before and after each use according to SOPs and sanitation schedules.
- Mix, dose, and handle cleaning and sanitizing agents safely and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
- Some laboratory work may be required (pH, alcohol by volume, densities, gravities, brix, weight scales).
- Perform sampling and basic lab analysis.
- General Responsibilities
- Comply with all safety, environmental, and company policies at all times.
- Follow instructions and perform other duties as may be assigned by a supervisor.
- Assist other employees in accomplishment of company goals.
- Participate in and complete company-required training programs.
- Maintain confidentiality of all company operations and proprietary information.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and move objects up to 50 lbs on a regular basis, occasionally heavier objects with assistance.
- Stooping, bending, twisting, crouching.
- Work at heights, climbing ladders and steps.
- Work in close quarters and tight spaces.
- Work alone with little supervision at times.
- Work in warm/humid and occasionally cold conditions. (non-climate control environment)
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Operate forklifts and manlifts (with proper certification/training).
- Operate centrifugal, positive displacement, and diaphragm pumps, as well as filtration equipment.
- Use PLC/HMI interfaces to control production equipment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
- Ability to plan and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong focus on safety and timely completion of tasks.
- Basic problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
- Basic MS Office and spreadsheet use.
- Basic algebraic calculations required.
- Associate’s degree in a technical field and/or experience in the alcohol/beverage industry is a plus.
Work Schedule
- Standard schedule is 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime may be required depending on production demands and deadlines.
- Shift rotations may be required based on operational needs, production schedules, or company goals. Employees must be willing and able to work varied shifts (including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays) as necessary to support continuous operations and meet business objectives.
- Shift assignments are subject to change at the company’s discretion with reasonable notice, in order to adapt to changing business priorities or operational requirements
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary; paid biweekly (26 pay periods per year).
- Health insurance provided for the individual; dependent coverage available at employee’s expense.
- Paid holidays in accordance with company policy.
- Eligibility to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan, with a company match of up to 4% when the employee contributes 5% of eligible compensation, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) is provided and accrues based on length of employment with the company, in accordance with company policy.
Pre-Employment Requirements
· Offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, physical examination, and/or job-related physical capability test, as applicable. These requirements must be successfully completed prior to the commencement of employment and will be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state (Louisiana), and local laws.
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
