Distillation Operator

Distillation Operator

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 and standards.

You will join a growing operation at a new site, offering the opportunity to work with modern equipment and help shape efficient, high-quality production processes. The environment values safety, quality, and continuous improvement, giving you the chance to deepen your skills in chemical processing, blending, and forklift operation. You will work within a structured GMP framework that supports professional development and fosters teamwork, reliability, and accountability.

This role is based at a new manufacturing site operating in a non-climate-controlled facility, where temperatures may vary with the seasons. The production area has a strong citrus and orange smell due to terpene, essential oil, and fragrance processing. You will work around industrial process equipment, including distillation units, tanks, pumps, condensers, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, and blending machinery, and will regularly operate a forklift to move materials.

The position follows 12-hour shifts, either 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.…