Distillery Assistant

Tarnished Truth Distilling Co.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company in Virginia Beach is seeking a Distillery Assistant to support the full production pipeline—from grain handling, mashing and fermentation to distillation, aging, bottling and packaging.

You will operate equipment, assist with set up and measurements, help maintain a clean, safe production area, and keep accurate records while following SOPs; occasional events support may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior exposure to production or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Participate in grain handling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, bottling and packaging.
• Assist with operating and monitoring production equipment.
• Prepare batches and perform production calculations.
• Maintain clean, organized, sanitary production spaces.
• Record production data accurately and support state/federal reporting.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Recordkeeping

Team player

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

Forklift experience

Word

Job description

This is a true production role. You will be involved throughout the process—from grain handling, mashing and fermentation to distillation, barreling, aging, bottling and packaging—while helping produce Tarnished Truth’s portfolio of bourbons, whiskeys, vodka, gin and specialty spirits.

Our distillery operates in one of the most unique settings in the industry and features a 500-gallon hybrid pot still and a 20-foot vodka column handcrafted by Vendome Copper & Brass Works. We are looking for someone who takes pride in making things well, is comfortable with physical work, pays attention to detail and wants to build real experience in the craft of distilling.

What You’ll Do

As a Distillery Assistant, you will support the day-to-day production of Tarnished Truth spirits and work across the full production process.

• Participate in grain handling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, bottling and packaging of Tarnished Truth products.
• Assist with operating and monitoring distillation and production equipment.
• Prepare batches, transfer spirits and ingredients, proof spirits and perform production calculations.
• Assist with barrel filling, barrel movement, aging activities and finished-product preparation.
• Maintain a clean, organized and sanitary production environment.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, hoses, production equipment, floors and work areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Follow company SOPs and all applicable federal, state and local safety, sanitation and distilled-spirits regulations.
• Assist with raw-material and production inventory, including receiving, organization and quality checks.
• Help maintain accurate production, warehousing and distilled-spirits records required for state and federal reporting.
• Safely operate material-handling equipment, including a forklift, following proper training and operating procedures.
• Assist with routine equipment care, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Support bottling, labeling, case packing and finished-goods preparation as needed.
• Occasionally support other areas of the business, including Coastal Cocktails production, when additional production help is needed.
• Support Tarnished Truth tours, tastings, special events and off-site events as needed.

What We’re Looking For

The right person is reliable, mechanically inclined, curious and willing to work. Distilling is equal parts craft, science, manufacturing and cleaning—and all four matter.

• Previous experience in a distillery, brewery, winery, beverage-production or manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Approximately two years of relevant production experience is ideal, but it is not required for the right candidate.
• Familiarity with fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, bottling or beverage production is a strong plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working around pumps, hoses, valves, tanks and production equipment.
• Ability to perform basic production mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division across units of measure.
• Strong attention to detail and an appreciation for accurate recordkeeping.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and established safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate while also being a strong member of a small production team.
• Good judgment, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of federal and state distilled-spirits regulations is a plus and can be developed with the right candidate.

Physical Requirements

This is an active production position, not a desk job. Candidates must be able to:

• Repeatedly lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Spend the majority of the workday standing and walking.
• Regularly bend, squat, grasp, reach and climb as required by the production environment.
• Work safely around hot liquids, steam, wet floors, production equipment and other normal conditions of a working distillery.
• Safely move materials and operate production and material-handling equipment.

Other Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Able to meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Able to work the normal Monday–Friday schedule with occasional flexibility when production needs require it.
• Able to successfully complete required pre-employment screening.
• Willing to work safely, follow established procedures and maintain the standards expected of Tarnished Truth Distilling Company.