Joceline Alfaro
Tulare,USA
Summary
Innovative Formulation Chemist with extensive experience developing fertilizer and adjuvant technologies for both conventional and organic markets. Specialized in acid/base reaction systems, solubility optimization, and raw-material compatibility. Proven success in improving product performance, stability, and manufacturing efficiency through formulation redesign, batch remediation, and scale-up support. Strong technical communicator with the ability to translate complex chemistry into practical field solutions, training materials, and support for sales, agronomists, and portfolio managers. Highly analytical, hands-on, and effective at bridging R&D, quality, and operations to deliver reliable, field-ready products.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Nutrition Formulation Chemist
Wilbur-Ellis Company
06.2022 - Current
- Lead formulation development of both fertilizer and adjuvant products, specializing in acid/base reaction systems, solubility optimization, and raw-material compatibility for conventional and organic formulations.
- Design and modify fertilizer blends and adjuvant systems to improve product performance, stability, handling, and application efficiency.
- Implement batch remediation and process improvements by analyzing failed or off-spec lots and redesigning formulations to achieve consistent quality and manufacturing reliability.
- Create, validate, and maintain batch sheets for manufacturing, ensuring accurate formulation instructions, raw-material handling, and process sequencing.
- Support new product development and product-line expansion by researching novel chemistries, evaluating raw-material alternatives, and formulating innovative technical solutions.
- Collaborate closely with operations to ensure smooth scale-up from lab bench to pilot and full-scale manufacturing.
- Provide technical troubleshooting for field-use challenges by adjusting blends to resolve compatibility, solubility, and agronomic performance issues.
- Deliver technical support to Portfolio Managers (Nutrition, Specialties, Adjuvants, Pro Markets) and field personnel (Sales Teams, Territory Managers, PCAs, Agronomists).
- Translate formulation and performance data into field-ready training materials, sales tools, and marketing resources for internal teams and customers.
Product and Formulation Manager
Farmers Fertilizer
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Managed full product lifecycle from formulation and raw material selection through registration, labeling, and commercialization.
- Led formulation development of new fertilizer and adjuvant products, optimizing stability, solubility, performance, and cost.
- Prepared and maintained regulatory registrations including OMRI, CDFA, EPA-exempt products, and other state-specific requirements.
- Created labels, SDS documents, and technical data sheets for new and existing products following regulatory and GHS standards.
- Coordinated formula updates and label revisions in response to regulatory changes, raw material shifts, or market requirements.
- Worked cross-functionally with operations, R&D, regulatory, and supply chain teams to ensure accurate manufacturing and compliant product release.
- Evaluated new raw materials and vendor submissions for quality, compliance, and suitability for formulation.
- Conducted stability studies, compatibility testing, and scale-up trials to ensure successful manufacturing and long-term product performance.
- Supported commercialization by developing training materials, technical summaries, and usage guidelines for sales teams and distributors.
- Resolved field or product complaints by using formulation adjustments, quality analysis, and raw material troubleshooting.
Technical Sales Manager
Nano Ag Delivery
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Served as the primary technical and customer support contact for sales representatives and growers, addressing product performance concerns, usage questions, logistics, and application recommendations.
- Trained and developed sales teams and customers on product benefits, handling, and best agronomic practices, improving product adoption and successful field performance.
- Maintained strong customer relationships by providing customized service, technical troubleshooting, and responsive follow-up.
- Coordinated logistics with manufacturing and warehousing partners to ensure accurate inventory levels, timely shipments, and smooth order fulfillment.
- Oversaw field trials and coordinated personalized product testing to evaluate performance, resolve grower concerns, and generate data for future sales or formulation recommendations.
QC/Laboratory Manager
Mar Vista Resources
08.2016 - 12.2021
- Lead new product development and formulation design for fertilizer and adjuvant products, specializing in acid/base chemistry for conventional and organic markets.
- Optimize and modify formulations based on raw material variability, performance data, and application requirements.
- Perform batch remediation and process improvements to restore quality and enhance manufacturing consistency.
- Conduct elemental analysis on raw materials and finished products to verify compliance with specifications.
- Operate and maintain advanced analytical instrumentation (Agilent ICP-OES, Elementar Nitrogen Analyzer, Spectrophotometer).
- Troubleshoot field and product issues by linking analytical data to formulation adjustments.
- Provide technical support and training for sales managers, field personnel, and portfolio managers.
- Review field trial data and translate results into formulation improvements and recommendations.
- Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and source new technologies and raw materials.
- Manage product registration and regulatory documentation (OMRI, CDFA, CDFA-OIM, COFEPRIS) and create labels and SDS documents.
- Oversee laboratory management, safety, batch sheet creation, and project tracking.
- Support warehouse and inventory operations (Agvance) to align supply with formulation demand.
Laboratory Technician
Brandt Consolidated Inc
06.2013 - 08.2016
- Calibrated and maintained QC instrumentation (ICP-OES, LECO, spectrophotometer).
- Performed quality control testing on incoming raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products.
- Conducted water quality analysis to support production and formulation requirements.
- Coordinated batch remediation activities with the Chemist to correct off-spec products.
- Supported product development projects through analytical testing and sample preparation.
- Managed laboratory inventory and supervised seasonal lab personnel.
Quality Control Chemist
Hydrite Chemical
02.2013 - 06.2013
- Analyzed production batches to ensure they met product specifications.
- Operated autotitrators, density meters, and pH meters for quality verification.
- Managed batch sheet documentation and data entry.
- Maintained laboratory housekeeping and safety compliance.
- Assisted with warehousing activities and product labeling.
- (seasonal employment)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, California12.2012
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Fresno City College
Fresno, California05.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice emphasis on Business Administration
Heald College
Fresno, California04.2008
Skills
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Decision-making
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Chemical handling
- Laboratory equipment maintenance
- Quality control
- Analytical chemistry
Related Coursework
Introduction to General Chemistry, Introductory Organic and Biochemistry, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Lab, Cell Biology, General Biochemistry, General Physics, Immunology and Lab, Genetics and Lab
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Product and Formulation Manager
Farmers Fertilizer
01.2025 - 05.2025
Nutrition Formulation Chemist
Wilbur-Ellis Company
06.2022 - Current
Technical Sales Manager
Nano Ag Delivery
01.2022 - 06.2022
QC/Laboratory Manager
Mar Vista Resources
08.2016 - 12.2021
Laboratory Technician
Brandt Consolidated Inc
06.2013 - 08.2016
Quality Control Chemist
Hydrite Chemical
02.2013 - 06.2013
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Fresno City College
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice emphasis on Business Administration
Heald College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
California State University, Fresno