Production Technician - Chemistry (Emeryville)

EarthOptics•Emeryville, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join EarthOptics as a Production Technician! 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. 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 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 Technician will join the Chemistry team in our Emeryville, CA laboratory as an individual contributor, supporting EarthOptics' mission through high-quality laboratory operations. In this role, you will execute daily soil processing and chemistry workflows in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Responsibilities include processing and handling soil samples, operating laboratory equipment, maintaining clean and organized workspaces, accurately documenting production activities, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards in a high-throughput environment. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to consistently follow established procedures, adaptability in a fast-paced laboratory setting, and effective collaboration with teammates to support sustainable, data-driven agriculture. 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

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.
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

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