About Us
Ryes & Shine is a craft distillery dedicated to producing high-quality spirits with care, curiosity, and respect for the process. We are a small, hands-on team, which means everyone pitches in, learns a lot, and takes pride in the work behind every bottle.
We are looking for a Part-Time Distillery Hand to support our production team. This is a great opportunity for someone who has a genuine interest in craft spirits and wants to learn more about distilling from the ground up.
About the Role
This is a physical, hands-on position that involves assisting with day-to-day distillery operations, production tasks, cleaning, bottling, packaging, and general support around the facility.
The right person will be reliable, curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable with hard work. This role is ideal for someone who wants to build practical experience in a working craft distillery, not just someone looking for any part-time job.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with distillery production tasks under the direction of the distiller or production lead
- Bottling, labelling, capping, packaging, and preparing finished products
- Cleaning and sanitizing tanks, equipment, work areas, floors, tools, and production spaces
- Moving raw materials, supplies, cases, kegs, barrels, and finished product
- Supporting mash, fermentation, distillation, and blending activities as trained
- Helping maintain an organized, safe, and efficient production area
- Following all health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol-related compliance procedures
- Assisting with inventory counts, stock rotation, and warehouse organization
- Supporting special projects, seasonal production, or events as needed
- Representing the distillery professionally when interacting with customers, suppliers, or guests
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
- A genuine interest in spirits, distilling, fermentation, craft beverages, or local food and drink
- A strong work ethic and a positive, team-first attitude
- Comfort with repetitive physical work and being on your feet for much of the shift
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and move heavy items, including cases, bags, bins, and production materials
- Good attention to detail, especially when cleaning, measuring, labelling, and packaging
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Reliability and punctuality
- Comfort working in a production environment that may be wet, noisy, warm, cold, or fast-paced
- Respect for safety procedures, equipment, and alcohol-related responsibilities
Requirements
- Must be 19 years of age or older
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the role, including heavy lifting
- Previous distillery, brewery, winery, kitchen, warehouse, farm, or production experience is an asset, but not required
- Interest in craft spirits is strongly preferred
- Serving It Right certification is an asset, especially for tasting or market shifts
Additional Hours and Growth Opportunities
This is currently a part-time role, but there may be opportunities for additional hours depending on business needs and the candidate’s interests.
Additional work may include:
- Farmers markets
- Consumer tastings
- Distillery events
- Kitchen, Retail or tasting room support
- Product demos
- Festival or off-site event support
For someone who is genuinely interested in learning how spirits are made, this role offers valuable exposure to the craft distilling process and the day-to-day realities of small-batch production.
Schedule
Hours will vary depending on production needs. Some flexibility is appreciated, especially during busy production periods, bottling days, events, markets, or holiday seasons.
Typical shifts may include weekdays, occasional evenings, weekends, or event days.
Why Join Us?
- Learn about craft distilling in a real working production environment
- Be part of a small, passionate local business
- Gain hands-on experience in production, packaging, and craft spirits
- Opportunity for more hours through markets, tastings, and events
- Work with a team that values quality, hard work, and curiosity
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief note telling us why you are interested in working in a craft distillery to:
[email protected]
We are especially interested in hearing from applicants who are genuinely curious about spirits, distilling, fermentation, and hands-on production work.
Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person