Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in Florida

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Laboratory Technician II is responsible for performing a variety of laboratory tests and procedures. This includes preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and analyzing data. The Laboratory Technician II will also be responsible for maintaining the laboratory equipment, supplies, and a clean and safe environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform laboratory analysis of sugar products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
• Test for purity, moisture content, and other physical and chemical properties.
• Develop and implement new testing methods.
• Work with other laboratory staff to troubleshoot problems and maintain equipment.
• Comply with all applicable safety regulations and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of laboratory results.
• Train and mentor new laboratory analysts.
• Performs other related projects and assignments as business dictates.

Repair Season

• Maintenance of samples, control of sample custody, traceability of samples.
• Operation of the valves of the molasses tanks.
• Daily analysis of molasses for shipment by rail; brix, pH, temperature, and sediment.
• Calibrate the cane juice sampling system.
• Validation of juice samples before crop season with NIR analysis (pol and brix).
• Preparation of samples for HPLC analysis.
• SOP’s actualization review.

Crop Season

• Factory stock report.
• Calibration of pH meter, refractometer, polarimeter and NIR once per shift.
• Pol and brix analysis of crusher juices clarified juice, molasses, sugar, mud, condensed water, imbibition water, cooling tower water and mill waste water.
• Control analysis of the sugar crystallization processes: Syrup, Massecuite A, Massecuite B, Massecuite C, A Molasses, B Molasses, C Molasses, B magma, C magma, C seed, crystallization.
• Analysis of bagasse, pol, moisture and fiber.
• Pol, brix and pH of last roll juice.

Must also be able to cover Chemical Analyst III functions:

• Daily molasses sampling and sediment analysis.
• Proficiency in varying laboratory analysis (Lime, Purity of NaOH, COD of Mill Waste, Starch, Color 420, Pol, Sugar Moisture, Molasses, Phosphate of Clarified Juices and Dilute Juices, Preparation Index, Stock, Massecuite ticket validation).
• Rapid Dextran Analysis.
• Weekly Lime Test for Crusher Juice timing.
• Pre-harvest juice validation and analysis.
• Assist in HPLC sample running.
• Chemical solution mixing.
• Acid Neutralization.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Must be able to pass a drug test and background check.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual – English and Spanish, preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in chemistry or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in laboratory analysis.
• Strong knowledge of sugar chemistry and analysis techniques.

Physical Requirements:

• Regular attendance is required during normal working hours.
• Sitting, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Crawling, Climbing, and Reaching.
• Lifting occasionally up to 25 pounds.

FIRST-CLASS BENEFITS: We offer a suite of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Health, dental, vision
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity
• Employee assistance program – offers confidential counseling and support with mental, financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, bereavement, jury duty)
• 401(k) program with highly competitive match
• Tuition reimbursement

COMPANY VISION:

SCGC’s vision is to deliver the greatest value to our member-growers and employees by being an industry leader in all we do. We are passionate about our vision, and we are looking for others that are equally as passionate.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida (SCGC) is comprised of mostly family-owned grower-members who produce approximately 4 million tons of sugarcane yielding approximately 400,000 tons of raw sugar and 20 million gallons of molasses, grown on over roughly 75,000 acres of land primarily in Palm Beach County, Florida. With over 500 employees, the Cooperative is responsible for the mechanical harvest of sugarcane per annum, and then processing and marketing the sugar, molasses and other by-products.

In addition to our core business, SCGC, along with its partner Florida Crystals Corporation, own and operate the world’s largest cane sugar refining company ASR Group International (ASR). ASR owns nine sugar refineries and two raw sugar mills in seven countries with the capacity to produce more than 6 million tons of refined sugar annually. The company produces a full line of consumer, industrial specialty and food service products under various prestigious brand names including Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.

In 2018, SCGC, Florida Crystals Corporation and ASR Group founded and launched Tellus Products. Tellus is an innovative packaging company that upcycles our left-over sugarcane fiber and converts it to sustainable tableware and foodservice products, including plates, bowls and take-out containers that compost back to soil in less than 75 days.

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.