CHEMIST - Peace River Citrus Products

Technical Support Chemist

Peace River Citrus Products, Inc.

Arcadia Florida 34266

SUMMARY: The position conducts critical analyses to ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards for the company’s fruit processing facility located in Arcadia, FL. Reporting to the Vice President of Technical Services, the position serves as the company SME (subject matter expert) in analytical chemistry, oversees the site Analytical Laboratory, supports the Quality Department, and provides process and continuous improvement support to Operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute the overall process (sample preparation, analysis, data validation, and timely recording/dissemination of results) for juice and essential oil analysis (non-volatile and volatile) for the Quality department.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance/repair, and troubleshooting of GC (gas chromatography) and HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) equipment.
• Oversee the calibration and preventative maintenance of all laboratory (analytical and quality) equipment and schedule service appointments accordingly.
• Ensure all necessary documentation (procedures, work aids, etc.) for laboratory equipment is current and accurate; develop/implement quality control protocols as necessary.
• Support Quality Technicians per the direction of the Quality Manager.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with quality and operations teams to troubleshoot and resolve product-related issues.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement opportunities (i.e., data collection/management, laboratory automation, cost reduction, process efficiencies, etc.)
• Maintain equipment and area cleanliness to ensure compliance with all GMP standards.
• Maintain Juice HACCP and PCQI certifications.
• Comply with FDA, USDA, GMP policies and all standard operating procedures and requirements under PRCP Quality System.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or Food/Chemical Engineering.
• High school diploma or GED required. Citrus and/or laboratory experience or additional education which includes laboratory experience.   

• Experience operating laboratory analytical instrumentation and performing calibrations
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting GC and HPLC instrumentation
• Ability to execute tasks independently, with the support of the senior manager
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with MS Windows based applications (Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Access and Word).