CO2 Extraction Technician - PACIFIKAVA

Job description

At Botanic Tonics, we believe being present is powerful, but in today's world it's very hard to do this a lot of the time. We exist to help people make the most of every moment—to reset, re-think, and then re-engage with themselves, others, and the world around them. feel free products are thoughtfully crafted with noble kava root and other functional botanicals that have been used for centuries. Our feel free CLASSIC tonic and capsules contain noble kava root and natural kratom leaf, delivering calm, focused energy without caffeine. Our feel free Kava Maté combines noble kava root with yerba mate for elevated, sustained energy with 60mg of natural caffeine per serving. These unique blends are designed to create a state of chilled energy, helping to clear your mind and elevate your mood, so you can be more present and in the moment. Founded in 2020, we now serve over 6 million servings monthly and are available in more than 27,000 retail locations nationwide. Our premium plant-based supplements are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified production facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where quality, science, and safety guide everything we do. **About the Company** Pacifikava, a wholly owned subsidiary of Botanic Tonics, manufactures botanical extracts used in plant-based functional beverages and supplements. Production takes place in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. **Position Overview** The CO2 Extraction Technician is responsible for operating, monitoring, and supporting supercritical and subcritical CO2 extraction systems used in the production of high-quality botanical extracts. This role ensures extraction processes are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality, regulatory, and company standards. The CO2 Extraction Technician loads and unloads extraction columns, monitors process performance, records critical operational parameters, performs first-level troubleshooting, and supports continuous improvement initiatives related to extraction quality, yield, and equipment reliability. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a highly regulated manufacturing environment. **Responsibilities** **Extraction Operations** - Operate and monitor supercritical and subcritical CO2 extraction equipment. - Load and unload extraction columns according to established operating procedures. - Collect and transfer finished extracts for downstream processing. - Monitor extraction cycles to ensure efficient, high-quality production. - Monitor and record critical process parameters including temperature, pressure, flow rates, cycle times, and extraction yields. - Ensure extraction activities are performed according to approved procedures and production schedules. - Support inventory accuracy and material traceability requirements. **Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting** - Perform equipment startup, shutdown, operational checks, and process changeovers. - Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance activities. - Recognize abnormal operating conditions and perform first-level troubleshooting. - Diagnose and troubleshoot basic mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues. - Escalate advanced equipment concerns to Maintenance as required. - Read and interpret technical manuals, operating instructions, and equipment schematics. **Automation & Systems** - Utilize HMI screens and machine control interfaces to operate and monitor extraction equipment. - Monitor process alarms, equipment status indicators, and critical operating parameters. - Enter and maintain production, quality, and operational data within company systems. - Follow electronic work instructions, batch records, and extraction recipes. - Understand basic PLC-controlled equipment functions and recognize when issues require escalation to Maintenance. **Quality & Compliance** - Monitor extraction processes to ensure consistent product quality and yields. - Collect and analyze sample extracts. - Verify extracts meet established specifications prior to release. - Maintain accurate production, maintenance, and quality documentation. - Ensure compliance with cGMP, food safety, quality, and traceability requirements. **Safety & Environmental Compliance** - Follow all safety procedures related to pressurized CO2 systems and hazardous materials. - Utilize required PPE and follow OSHA and company safety requirements. - Participate in safety audits, inspections, and corrective actions. - Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. **Collaboration & Continuous Improvement** - Coordinate with Production Technicians to ensure solids processing activities are completed prior to extraction. - Partner with Maintenance and Production leadership to resolve operational issues. - Identify opportunities to improve extraction efficiency, yield, equipment reliability, safety, and product quality. - Support process improvement and operational excellence initiatives. **Qualifications** - High school diploma or equivalent required. - 2+ years of CO2, botanical, chemical, food, beverage, HVAC, or extraction manufacturing experience preferred. - Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, or related field preferred. - Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability. - Basic understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and automated systems. - Experience operating HMI-controlled or PLC-controlled equipment preferred. - Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, operating instructions, and equipment schematics in English. - Knowledge of cGMP, food safety, quality, and traceability requirements preferred. - Forklift certification or related industrial certifications preferred. - Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy. - Excellent communication and teamwork skills. **Physical Requirements** - Ability to lift up to 57 pounds - Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and reach regularly - Comfortable working around machinery and in varying conditions - Ability to wear a respirator as required, including passing a medical evaluation and fit test - Ability to wear required PPE and work in a manufacturing environment ### ***Benefits Overview: Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, 401k Match, Family Leave, PTO & Paid Holiday Schedule.*** ### *Botanic Tonics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Botanic Tonics reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.*