Sampler

About the Company

U.S. Sugar is one of the nation’s largest fully integrated producers of sugarcane, a leading provider of fresh vegetables and citrus products, and a regional short-line railroad operator. Headquartered in Clewiston, Florida, the company farms more than 200,000 acres in Hendry, Glades, Martin, and Palm Beach counties and employs approximately 3,000 people, including many high-skilled, high-wage jobs in automated environments. U.S. Sugar produces 650,000–700,000 tons of cane sugar annually, providing nearly 8% of the nation’s sugar production.

Employees are the company’s most valuable asset. Many have an ownership stake through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The company offers challenging work, opportunities for growth, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive work environment where safety is the top priority.

About the Role

Reporting to the Shift Manager, this is a rotating shift-work position with periodic overtime and recall requirements, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The role involves working independently or in a team to safely and efficiently collect cane and/or trash samples according to a strict sampling schedule. The incumbent will prepare samples for testing, operate weighing scales, log test results, and maintain a sterile laboratory sample area in accordance with Laboratory Procedures. During the off-crop season, the role includes performing laborious maintenance work as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Abide by all Company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and comply with all Company, Local, State, and Federal regulations relating to Health, Safety, and Operations.
• Successfully participate in and complete all training sessions, safety classes, pre-shift meetings, and/or certifications related to the position.
• Abide by and implement Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and Current Good Laboratory Practices (CGLP).
• Collect samples from all areas of the plant and protect sample integrity throughout the process.
• Perform all required cane trash tests as required and document test results in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicate with Lab Supervisors, Shift Manager, and laboratory personnel to report abnormal cane/trash results, equipment inoperability, and other irregular operational discrepancies.
• Maintain a sterile working environment and assist Lab personnel with routine housekeeping.

Requirements

• Must pass Company-designated tests measuring basic skills, job skills, mechanical aptitude, and/or other relevant interests, skills, and characteristics.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a good work record and disciplinary history.
• Must demonstrate the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including lifting, loading, pushing, and/or pulling up to 55 lbs.
• Must have color vision and be able to distinguish the red/green spectrum due to chemical sampling.
• Must possess basic computer skills and be able to accurately enter information on spreadsheets.
• Must have knowledge of basic math and units of weights and measure (e.g., grams, milliliters).
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English to comprehend instructions, communicate via radio, and ensure personal and co-worker safety.
• New hires must pass a drug test and other pre-employment background screening and successfully complete any required training or orientation.

Working Conditions

Outdoor/Plant Environment (80% of work time):

• Exposed to heights, rapidly changing temperatures (including extreme heat), weather conditions, blowing dust and particles, loud noise, and limited visibility while wearing PPE (e.g., hard hat, goggles, lab coat, ear plugs, full-body suits, and respirators).
• Regularly climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crawling, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, and walking on uneven ground containing slip and trip hazards.
• Routine lifting, loading, pushing, and/or pulling of up to 55 lbs.

Laboratory Environment (20% of work time):

• Exposed to caustic chemicals, strong odors, liquids of extreme temperatures, open heat sources, sharp objects, artificial light, and rotating equipment.
• Required to wear PPE (e.g., latex gloves, goggles, and smocks).
• Regularly standing for the entire duration of the shift, walking in tight workspaces, reaching overhead, and manipulating samples or machinery using both hands while looking up, down, or side to side.
• Periodically lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 55 lbs.

This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this position. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.