Seasonal Distillation Technician

Seasonal Distillation Technician

Nexus Agriscience

Job Title: Seasonal Distillation Technician

Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal

Duration: 4 months, subject to change according to business needs.

Location: 5840 Lindeman Rd. Byron, CA 94505 (on-site)

Reports To: Drew Lischeske

Salary: $22.56 - $25/hour

Job Summary

Nexus Agriscience is hiring a Seasonal Distillation Technician to support harvest-season operations at our Byron, California farm. This hands-on role involves daily steam distillation, equipment operation, and general production support, working closely with the operations team. The position follows a Monday–Saturday schedule with approximately 9–10-hour shifts beginning around 7:30 a.m. Because shifts exceed 8 hours per day and the workweek exceeds 40 hours, overtime premiums apply as noted above. Basic distillation knowledge is a plus, but it’s not required. A willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude matter most.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with daily operations involving basic steam distillation processes and equipment maintenance.
• Perform manual labor tasks, including lifting and transporting materials weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper functioning of equipment and workspaces.
• Follow operational procedures and safety guidelines related to distillation and other processes.
• Operate equipment and support production needs as required.
• Troubleshoot minor technical issues with equipment, reporting larger concerns to management. Collaborate with team members to meet daily production goals.
• Adhere to all safety and quality standards to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain strong attention to detail in all tasks, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred, or equivalent practical work experience. 
• Basic knowledge of distillation processes and equipment, or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable in a physically demanding, hands-on environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Able to work 9-10 hour shifts, Monday-Saturday, starting around 7:30am.
• Team-oriented, self-motivated, and able to stay focused during long shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in manual labor or a manufacturing/production environment.
• Familiarity with basic industrial safety practices.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, supporting clear team coordination and safety communication is highly preferred.

Work Environment

• This role involves the essential physical functions of prolonged standing and walking, repeated lifting and carrying of materials up to 60 lbs, and hands-on operation of distillation equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Work is performed in a production setting with regular exposure to steam distillation processes, elevated heat and humidity, moisture, and strong plant odors. 
• The company maintains a safe workplace in accordance with Cal/OSHA standards, including heat illness prevention measures, required rest and cool-down periods, access to shade and water, and employer-provided personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Equal Opportunity 

Nexus Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer, and does not unlawfully discriminate against, make employment decisions, or permit harassment based on perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, disability, medical condition, U.S. Military or veteran status, salary history, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Nexus Agriscience is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities, including but not limited to the Fair Pay Act, FEHA, and all applicable laws and ordinances regarding conviction and arrest history.