Production Technician - Chemistry (Emeryville)

EarthOptics • Emeryville, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

EarthOptics is seeking a Production Technician to join their Chemistry team in Emeryville, CA. This role supports the company's mission of being the leading soil information company by ensuring high-quality laboratory operations. The Production Technician will execute daily soil processing and chemistry workflows according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Key responsibilities include processing and handling soil samples, operating laboratory equipment, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, accurately documenting production activities, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards in a high-throughput environment. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to follow procedures consistently, adaptability in a fast-paced lab setting, and effective collaboration skills. EarthOptics values learning, collaboration, and a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma required or equivalent experience required.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in repetitive, high-throughput work.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced laboratory environment while managing priorities effectively.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices and safe operation of laboratory equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform routine equipment troubleshooting and identify or escalate quality or process issues.
• Comfort working with high-temperature equipment or hazardous materials (with training)
• Ability to maintain organized, clean, and compliant workspaces.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and accountability.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and laboratory systems.
• Must be able 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.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Additional coursework or training in chemistry, biology, or a related field is preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in a laboratory, production or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Prior experience working in a soil processing lab, environmental lab, production lab, or similar high-throughput environment.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Prior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samples.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant laboratory and production workspaces
• Execute daily soil processing and chemistry workflows according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Receive, sort, label, and prepare soil samples for analysis based on testing requirements
• Operate and monitor laboratory equipment, including ovens, grinders, vacuum sealers, dishwashers, and scales
• Perform routine lab support tasks, including cleaning, drying, and restocking glassware and lab consumables
• Load, operate, and maintain laboratory dishwashing equipment, ensuring proper cleaning cycles and chemical use
• Prepare and restock laboratory materials, including extraction tubes, pipette tips, reagents, and consumables
• Support sample extraction workflows by preparing plates (e.g. adding beads, NAPTs) and handling post-processing cleanup
• Dispose of laboratory waste, including sharps and non-hazardous materials, in accordance with safety guidelines
• Monitor inventory levels and notify appropriate personnel when supplies need to be reordered
• Record production data and complete required documentation accurately and consistently
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting as needed
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including proper handling of high-temperature materials and equipment
• Collaborate with cross-functional lab teams (e.g., blending lab, carbon lab) to support overall lab operations and workflow efficiency

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED