Production Technician - Carbon (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 our Emeryville, CA Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. As a Production Technician 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 basic analytical equipment. This role requires the ability to consistently follow provided operating procedures, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and collaboration with coworkers to support sustainable and data-driven agricultural practices. 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 or equivalent relevant work experience required.
Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced production or laboratory environment.
Demonstrated reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately and consistently.
Ability to follow SOPs, work instructions, and established laboratory protocols with precision.
Ability to work collaboratively and maintain professional, respectful relationships with team members across functions.
Flexibility to work varying schedules, including occasional after-hours and weekend support as business needs require.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and commitment to following safety policies including the proper use of PPE
Comfortable handling soil, soil slurry, and other lab materials throughout daily workflows
Ability to safely operate common laboratory equipment and hand tools.
Basic computer proficiency and the ability to perform simple equipment or hardware troubleshooting.
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.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with LIMS or other laboratory sample tracking systems.
Prior experience working in a soil processing lab, environmental lab, production lab, or similar high-throughput environment.
Prior experience with soil grinding, texture workflows, MIR plating, carbon sample preparation, or related sample processing tasks.
Prior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samples.
Prior experience in a fast-paced start-up or production environment.

Responsibilities

Support routine soil processing tasks in the lab, including sample preparation, basic testing workflows, and data entry
Learn and follow EarthOptics’ standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation guidelines
Receive, sort, label, package, store, and track soil samples according to established lab procedures
Operate basic lab and production equipment, such as ovens, soil grinders, vacuum sealers, scales, and related tools, in accordance with SOPs
Maintain clean, safe, organized, and compliant production spaces
Complete routine documentation accurately and consistently to support sample tracking and production records
Work closely with lab staff and primary operators to support timely and accurate sample handling
Assist with FTIR and Elemental Analyzer workflows as directed and under appropriate guidance