Apprentice Distiller I

Description:

Location : Alameda, CA

Position : Full-time

Salary Range: $24-26

Company

Founded in 1982, St. George Spirits is America’s oldest craft distillery. We are passionate about innovation and deeply committed to our craft. Our portfolio of original spirits includes a range of American single malt whiskey, as well as brandies, gins, vodkas, liqueurs, and absinthe. Our work has been recognized through a decade of James Beard Award nominations and multiple Hall of Fame honors. We are proud to be a true American original.

St. George Spirits is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and compliant workplace where craftsmanship, collaboration, and accountability are core values.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Distiller, the Apprentice Distiller I is an entry-level production role designed to introduce team members to the fundamentals of craft distillation. This position supports the day-to-day production, processing, and storage operations of the distillery by performing a wide range of tasks and projects. The Apprentice Distiller I assists the production team in daily distillery operations while developing knowledge of core processes including milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and packaging support.

All St. George Spirits employees are expected to perform their duties in a safe manner and promptly report any safety concerns to management. The Apprentice Distiller I role provides an opportunity for growth within the Production Department, with the potential to advance to the Assistant Distiller position based on departmental needs and demonstrated abilities and performance.

The duties listed below represent the essential functions of the position. Duties may be adjusted or reassigned as operational needs require. Regular and reliable attendance is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform these essential functions.

• Thorough understanding of spirit categories as well as St. George products
• Thorough understanding of and ability to safely operate all production equipment 
• Basic understanding of state and federal compliance regulations
• Ability and understanding to independently select and perform cleaning procedures relative to equipment as well as ensure safety of products
• Ability to gauge and measure products for transfers, builds, and inventories
• Management of solid waste produced by production activities
• Responsible for ensuring a clean and organized production space 
• Proactive barrel management and maintenance
• Proactive management of boilers
• Proactive management of refrigeration systems
• Basic lab procedures including proofing and basic build formulas
• Ability to safely set up, operate, and clean all cellar equipment
• Thorough understanding of and ability to safely and independently operate stills 
• Knowledge of and adherence to safe operations and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Prefer 2 years of professional brewing, winemaking, and/or distilling experience 
• 1 Complete Harvest or equivalent required
• Meets and surpasses requirements of Production Assistant
• High school diploma required, BS or BA preferred
• Strong verbal communication skills oriented towards detailed team coordination
• Basic understanding of chemistry and lab procedure
• Understanding of basic algebra
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems
• Ability to operate or become certified to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment
• Ability to maintain all required safety and compliance training
• Must have clean driving record and willing to submit to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
• Ability to provide 2–3 professional references

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Interest in craft distillation or beverage production preferred
• Previous warehouse, manufacturing, or production experience helpful but not required

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Ability to frequently climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and balance s with or without reasonable accommodation
• Frequently must be able to detect and distinguish flavors and aromatics as they pertain to production, processing, and storage purposes
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work performed primarily in a production and warehouse environment 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Equal Opportunity & Employment Statement

St. George Spirits is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. The Company provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Employment with St. George Spirits is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

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