Production Associate General Interest

EarthOptics•Emeryville, CA

8d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Our Soil Science team is always growing and evolving, and new Production Associate roles open up regularly. If you’re interested in future opportunities with us, please submit a general interest application. While this is not tied to a specific opening, our team reviews these applications and will contact you if a role becomes available that may be a good fit. Join EarthOptics as a Production Associate! 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 combine cutting-edge genomic analysis, data science, microbiology, and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our unified 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 30 states and 2 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. Our Production Associate will join our Emeryville, CA Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. As a Production Associate at our Emeryville, CA lab, you will be responsible for performing daily soil processing tasks according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). You will ensure safe, efficient, and compliant handling of samples and analytical equipment. This role requires good organizational skills, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and collaboration with coworkers located on- and off-site to support sustainable and data-driven agricultural practices. Good communication skills are essential to ensure proper synchronization between other labs, and upstream and downstream departments and processes. We have certain criteria across all our hires at EarthOptics, no matter the position or team. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in any related technical field or 1 year of full time laboratory experience
Experienced in operating complex laboratory instrumentation, performing maintenance, and analytical quality assessments.
Ability to track multiple projects at a time to ensure samples are on track for analyses in time and quality.
Demonstrates ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Maintains exceptional reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability
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 sample exchanges
Applies strong attention to detail in all work tasks
Works comfortably with large volumes of soil and soil slurry
Performs repetitive tasks with consistent quality and focus
Handles chemicals and sharps safely while adhering to all safety procedures and utilizing provided PPE
Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer/IT troubleshooting and competency with hand tools
Ability to understand and precisely follow protocols and procedures
Having knowledge of laboratory safety guidelines
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment
Prior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samples

Responsibilities

Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Maintain high throughput sample processing expectations
Receive and sort samples according to the analysis ordered
Operate standard and sensitive lab equipment (carbon analyzers, ICPs, FIAs, centrifuges, pH robots, etc.)
Track project/sample status to ensure all samples receive the correct analyses within the given turnaround time
Perform regular analytical quality assessment and instrument maintenance
Handle high-temperature materials (360 C+) (PPE provided)
Organize (label, package, store) processed samples into extensive soil library
Analytical data entry into computer systems
Adhere to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements