Production Technician - Sample Prep

Join EarthOptics as a Production Technician - Sample Prep! 

Our mission is to be the leading soil information company, delivering maps that growers, farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders use to cost-effectively increase yields and improve soil health and the climate. We are creating a future where traditional sampling methods are obsolete.

At EarthOptics we are combining cutting-edge genomic analysis, data science, microbiology, and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our mission is to help farmers and ranchers sustainably increase their yields and feed the growing world through all things soil. We are a growing company with a passion for soil health, innovative technologies, and supporting all within the food value chain. We currently have ~100 individuals spread across 20 states and two countries, and they come from all walks of life, industries, and experiences. We are deeply focused on building the future of AgTech and sustainability and helping the world see soil differently.

The Production Technician - Sample Prep will join our Emeryville, CA Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. As a Production Technician on our Blending team at our Emeryville, CA lab, your primary responsibility will be operating our automated sample preparation systems (blenders) by loading soil samples into them and troubleshooting any errors you may encounter according to our standard operating procedures (SOPs)  This role requires the ability to consistently follow standard operating procedures, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and collaboration with coworkers to support sustainable and data-driven agricultural practices. 

Regardless of the role, our team embraces learning, craves collaboration, and is driven by a fast-paced environment. If you resonate with our values and goals, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every requirement. You could be the perfect fit for this role or future opportunities.

The digs: 

• Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary to Regular, Part-Time after 90-days based on performance and business needs
• Work Location: This is an onsite position in our Emeryville, CA office and laboratory
• Work Shifts: Morning Shift: 6am to 2pm AND Evening Shift: 2pm to 10pm
• Work Schedule: The role is 30 hours per week. Operations may occur seven days per week during peak season. The actual days worked will vary (e.g., Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday-Thursday) based on operational needs.
• Target Start Date: August 31, 2026
• Compensation: $22.00 per hour

What you’ll cultivate as a Production Technician - Sample Prep: (Your responsibilities) 

• Load soil samples (200-300 per day) into our automated sample preparation systems. 
• Receive and sort samples according to the analysis ordered.
• Ensure production spaces are kept clean, organized and compliant with safety protocols.
• Maintain high throughput expectations.
• Operate the waste slurry pipeline, including sump pumps (50+lbs) and a flocculation system.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Are you our soil-mate? You’ll bloom in this role if you have experience in: (Your qualifications) 

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and safety procedures while utilizing provided PPE.
• Proficiency with basic computer/IT troubleshooting and competency with hand tools.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety guidelines.

• Fosters a respectful workplace by building professional relationships and collaborating positively with all team members.
• Adapts to flexible working hours, with availability for occasional after-hours work.
• Comfort working with large volumes of soil and soil slurry.

• While performing duties of this job, you will be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This job will be performed in a Lab environment; dress is casual and Protective Personal Equipment is supplied as well as lab coats.

**We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or transfer visas at this time.

Although not required, we’d love to see roots in:

• Prior experience working in a soil processing lab, environmental lab, production lab, or similar high-throughput environment.
• Prior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samples.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

Aside from “the green”, we can offer you:

• 401k Plan + Employer Match up to 4%
• Accrued paid time off
• Candidate Referral Program
• Above and Beyond Bonus Program
• Regular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offerings

How we stay grounded:

Although we have teammates working in the field, in-office, and at home, we aim to create a cohesive, diverse, and enriching environment for all of our employees. We embrace different tools to enhance our workflows and communicate intentionally, both live and asynchronously. A few quick facts you should know:

• We rely on Slack to communicate. Although there are a variety of team-specific systems to facilitate your work, this is our primary! 
• We love both food and emojis at EarthOptics. If hired, you’ll come to love (and use many) taco and donut emojis. 🌮🍩
• Instead of values, we believe in actionable “cultural concepts”. Collectively, we hold one another to act and give feedback with these concepts in mind. Ours are autonomy, accountability, collaboration, customer centricity, grit and grace.

Inclusion and Diversity at EarthOptics: 

At EarthOptics, we embrace diversity and equality, and stand against any form of discrimination or harassment. We base all hiring and promotion decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability.

We are deeply committed to welcoming and including every qualified individual. As a part of this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance during the job application or interview process, need support to perform essential job functions, or seek other benefits and privileges of employment, please reach out to us at [email protected].