Jared Balle

Experience

• 

  The University of Auckland

  Mar 2009 - Jun 2009

  Laboratory Tutor

  Provided teaching assistance to an undergraduate chemistry laboratory class. Prompted thought on how to approach the experiment and answer questions that arose. Taught laboratory and experimental technique, theory and problem solving.

• 

  Jared Balle Photography

  Jan 2010 - now

  Photographer

  Auckland-based lifestyle and landscape enthusiast photographer, having worked with a number of individual and brand clients.

• 

  LanzaTech

  Jun 2011 - Mar 2015

  Shift-based operator and acting SAC (Safe Access Controller) of LanzaTech's pilot plant test facility situated at New Zealand Steel, Glenbrook. Main responsibilities include pilot-scale R&D operation of LanzaTech's two-fermenter continuous gas fermentation process and site-wide compliance to HSE standards (under the jurisdiction of NZ Steel). I am required to make informed fermentation and process decisions based on interpretation of outputs - often large data sets, calculations and trends - from an array of process analytics and instrumentation including HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry, OD, radar, DP cells, pH and ORP.An in-depth knowledge of relevant scientific theory and skills such as critical analysis, problem-solving, analytical chemistry, scientific/technical reasoning and chemical handling are employed on a daily basis. I have a sound knowledge of process and mechanical engineering principles covering hydrostatics/dynamics, pressure, flow rates etc. and am familiar with equipment such as pumps, valves, Swagelok, sanitary fittings and general process equipment.Background: LanzaTech's novel anaerobic gas fermentation process utilises a highly-selected strain of Clostridium autoethanogenum to sequester carbon in the form of CO (carbon monoxide) from various industrial waste gas feedstocks. Flue gas produced during the steel-making process is typically flared or used in cogeneration. In contrast, LanzaTech's bacterial 'catalyst' is able to fix this carbon into biomass and a cohort of useful metabolite products including ethanol, 2,3-butanediol and acetic acid, which see end-uses as biofuel and biochemical commodities. Show less Completed separation and analysis of high-quality chemical samples from complex anaerobic fermentation broth. These were supplied to external laboratories, collaborators, potential partners and clients. Projects include a US$3M FAA-funded ATJ (alcohol-to-jet) proof of concept and fuel qualification trial, requiring a high purity LanzaTech ethanol sample in the order of thousands of litres. I was tasked with producing this sample and the milestone was delivered ahead of schedule and of high enough purity to allow successful catalytic upgrading to SPK (synthetic paraffinic kerosene) jet fuel on Swedish Biofuels' catalytic platform. Additional accomplishments include managing logistics of broth collection, integrity, transport and storage, followed by distillation and analysis of the final product. Generated anhydrous fuel ethanol samples exceeding ASTM D4806 specification. Performed in-house analysis and managed contracted analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.Experienced in general laboratory methods, separation, sampling/sample preparation and analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, GLC, TLC, NMR, IR/UV-Vis spectrophotometry and titration. Distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, dead-end and membrane filtration experience from laboratory/bench to pilot-scale. Show less

  • Pilot Plant Process Technician

    May 2014 - Mar 2015

  • Global EH&S Representative (NZ Operations)

    Jun 2011 - Mar 2015

  • Process Validation Scientist

    Sept 2013 - May 2014

  • Product Recovery Scientist

    Jun 2011 - Sept 2013
• 

  BioConsortia, Inc.

  Apr 2015 - Nov 2015

  Chemist/Technician

  High-throughput isolation and selection of microbial consortia for formulation into crop treatments targeting improved agricultural phenotypes.

• 

  Pictor

  Apr 2015 - Nov 2015

  Chemist/Scientist

  R&D development and GMP manufacture of immunodiagnostic microassays, image data analysis and prototype improvement.

• 

  Z Energy NZ

  Nov 2015 - Aug 2020

  Lead Operator

  As a Lead Operator at Te Kora Hou, Z Energy's flagship biodiesel plant, I was responsible for leading a three-man shift team to execute safe and efficient production of fuel-quality biodiesel at commercial scale. This encompassed all in process testing and production steps including feedstock and reagent tanker offloading, batch chemical reactions, continuous atmospheric and high-vacuum, high-temperature distillations, through to finished product quarantine, storage and load-out. Importantly, this was accomplished while meeting strict in-process and final product specifications wherein my aptitude in organic/analytical chemistry, HSE, attention to detail and problem-solving capability was leveraged on a daily basis. Additional to leadership and operational accountabilities, I have been regularly involved in work risk assessment (HITRA/JSA/SWMS), LOTO development and implementation, and permit to work (PTW) control of high-risk maintenance and project work activities including combinations of work at height, hot work in Zone 1 hazardous areas and crane lifts, associated contractor supervision and management of simultaneous operations. Show less

• 

  Allegion

  Aug 2020 - May 2023

  Finishing Supervisor - Electroplating, Powder Coating and Polishing

  Supervisor and in-house expert of Allegion NZ's metal finishing operations including electroplating, powder coating and polishing. Responsible for managing a team and plant delivering reliable supply of durable and aesthetically pleasing finishes for Allegion’s premium commercial door and security hardware lines.Established a state-of-the-art green-field automated electroplating plant employing 9 metal deposition processes across 3 substrates, inclusive of construction and installation, commissioning and validation through to production optimisation, process chemistry management and effluent waste water treatment. Show less

• 

  Chemical Process Consulting

  Sept 2022 - now

  Director / Principal Consultant

  Chemical Process Consulting offers tailored support to businesses navigating the establishment and commercialisation of chemical and biochemical processes. Specifically, we provide expertise in R&D, piloting, scale-up, commissioning, validation, optimisation, improvement/retrofit, troubleshooting, and document writing with emphasis on regulatory compliance.Focus sectors include chemical, biotech startup, biochemical, energy and manufacturing, backed by 12 years of industry experience in R&D and operational leadership earned across a range of successful companies and scales including: LanzaTech – R&D and pilot gas fermentationZ Energy – pilot and commercial biodiesel productionLiquium – commercialisation of novel low-energy ammonia catalyst systemsAllegion NZ – commercial automated electroplating, powder coating and metal polishingPictor – R&D and commercialisation of medical diagnostic microassays BioConsortia – R&D of microbial cohorts for agricultural crop performance enhancement Please direct enquiries to jared@cpconsulting.nz Show less

• 

  Chemetall

  Aug 2023 - now

  • Site & Production Manager

    Mar 2025 - now

  • Deputy Site & Production Manager

    Sept 2024 - Mar 2025

  • Acting GM Operations & Site Manager

    Aug 2023 - Sept 2024