Distillation Operator

Distillation Operator

Pay:
Depending on experience & interview

Shift: 12 hour shifts (both day and night shift available)

Location:

Lakeland, FL area

Candidates must have experience with either blending or distillation to be considered for this position.

This role combines hands-on forklift operation with batch blending and material handling in a chemical manufacturing environment. You will execute batch blending operations using liquid and semi-volatile raw materials, operate distillation and processing equipment, and support a GMP-compliant production process. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and comfort working around citrus-based chemicals and fragrances.

• Execute batch blending operations using liquid and semi-volatile raw materials such as terpenes, citrus oils, aldehydes, and alcohols.
• Follow batch sheets, formulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accurate weighing, addition, and mixing of ingredients.
• Operate fractional distillation units, wiped film evaporators, and short-path distillation systems as part of the production process.
• Monitor and adjust key process parameters, including temperature profiles, reflux ratios, vacuum levels, and flow rates, to maintain optimal operating conditions.
• Manage and operate supporting utilities and equipment such as boilers, condensers, chillers, heat exchangers, and reboilers for distillation operations.
• Set up, operate, and clean tanks, reactors, piping, pumps, distillation columns, and blending machines in accordance with GMP and safety standards.
• Perform batch blending and chemical formulation processing, including batching, batch mixing, and completion of batch documentation.
• Apply in-process quality control practices to ensure products meet GMP and ISO standards and internal quality requirements.
• Handle and process terpene and essential oil materials, including citrus-based chemicals, in a safe and controlled manner.
• Operate a forklift to move raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods throughout the facility.
• Support chemical manufacturing activities by operating process equipment and following chemical safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper cleaning and preparation of equipment between batches.
• Collaborate with team members and follow direction from production leadership to meet production schedules and output targets.
• Accurately document production activities, process parameters, and quality checks in accordance with GMP and ISO requirements.

• Proven forklift operating experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Hands-on experience with distillation operations or distillation processes, including fractional, vacuum, and steam distillation.
• Experience with batch blending and chemical formulation processing.
• Ability to operate process equipment such as distillation units, wiped film evaporators, short-path distillation systems, tanks, reactors, pumps, and blending machines.
• Familiarity with GMP-compliant manufacturing and in-process quality control practices.
• Understanding of chemical safety principles and safe handling of liquid and semi-volatile raw materials.
• Ability to follow batch sheets, formulations, and SOPs with strong attention to detail.
• Comfort working with terpene, essential oil, and fragrance materials, including citrus-based chemicals.
• Capability to monitor and adjust process conditions such as temperature, vacuum, and flow rates.
• Basic knowledge of equipment such as condensers, heat exchangers, chillers, boilers, and reboilers.
• Ability to complete batch documentation accurately and consistently in a GMP or GMP/ISO environment.

• Experience working in a GMP or GMP/ISO manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to DCS or other process control systems for monitoring and adjusting process parameters.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, fragrance, or essential oil processing.
• Experience with quality control procedures in a production setting.
• Willingness to work at a newer production site and contribute to establishing best practices…