Job Summary
Nexus Agriscience is hiring Seasonal Hemp Processing Technicians to run steam distillation and hemp extraction during harvest season at our Byron, California farm. In this role you will operate distillation equipment to extract essential oils and terpenes from freshly harvested hemp and other plant material, monitor temperature, pressure, and flow throughout each batch, and record production data that supports our quality and compliance standards. This is a hands-on production role for someone with an interest in plant science, chemistry, agriculture, or process manufacturing who wants real experience in hemp processing and extraction. Prior distillation, essential oil, or lab experience is a plus but not required. We provide training on our equipment and processes. The position follows a Monday-Saturday schedule with shifts of about 9-10 hours 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate steam distillation equipment to extract essential oils and terpenes from hemp and other plant material.
- Monitor still temperature, pressure, and flow throughout each distillation run, and adjust process parameters as directed.
- Record batch and production data accurately to support quality control and regulatory recordkeeping.
- Collect samples and assist with basic quality checks on distillate and plant material.
- Troubleshoot minor equipment issues during a run and escalate larger mechanical or process concerns to management.
- Fill, lift, and move barrels of extracted hemp oil throughout the shift, along with loading, unloading, and transporting plant material and equipment. This is a physically demanding part of the day and requires lifting and carrying items up to 60 lbs repeatedly (reasonable accommodation available for qualified individuals).
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly functioning production area and equipment.
- Follow standard operating procedures and safety guidelines for distillation and plant processing.
- Collaborate with the production team to meet daily extraction and processing goals.
- Maintain strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards.
Required Qualifications
- Genuine interest in plant science, chemistry, agriculture, food science, or process manufacturing.
- Willingness to learn steam distillation, hemp extraction, and essential oil production processes; prior experience is a plus but not required.
- Comfortable reading gauges and following written standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred, or equivalent practical work experience.
- Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the role, including repeatedly lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs (such as filling and moving barrels of extracted oil) throughout the shift, and standing for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Comfortable in a physically active, hands on production environment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely, since batch outcomes depend on it.
- Availability to work approximately 9-10 hour shifts, Monday-Saturday, starting around 7:30 a.m. during harvest season.
- Team oriented, self motivated, and able to stay focused during long shifts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in essential oil production, distillation, extraction, fragrance, flavor, food or beverage processing, cannabis or hemp processing, or a chemical or manufacturing environment.
- Coursework or hands on exposure to chemistry, biology, agriculture science, or a related field.
- Familiarity with basic industrial safety practices and standard operating procedures.
- 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 and filled barrels up to 60 lbs throughout the shift, 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.
