R&D Farm Operator

Oishii • Clay Township, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Farm Operator responsible for executing farming and R&D-related tasks in R&D farms, contributing to exceptional product development and plant health. The role involves day-to-day operations of the R&D Farm, including pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing, and transferring plants, as well as collecting data such as measurements and physiological metrics.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience working in a vertical farm, greenhouse, or traditional farm.
• Proven capability to tend to plant needs with attention to detail and dexterity of care.
• Ability to take direction and then work independently or as part of a small team in a highly collaborative and cross functional department.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to climb a ladder.
• Ability to crouch or kneel.
• Ability to reach and stretch.
• Hand dexterity.
• Comfortable in an active non sedentary role for lengths of up to 5 to 6 hours at time.
• MUST NOT be allergic to bees.
• About 80% of time spent in the farm tending to plants.

Nice To Haves

• Strawberry knowledge or experience is a plus!
• Passion for Plants!
• Remain up to date on the latest developments in indoor agriculture, and strawberry farming.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Expert Growers, Plant Scientists, and Operations Leadership to achieve experiment goals.
• Ensure tasks such as pruning, harvesting, and cleaning/sanitizing are completed timely.
• Meticulously manage each experimental cohort in line with experiment specifications.
• Sanitize facilities, prepare and transplant seedlings during experiment setup.
• Observe plants, collect and analyze data to make effective recommendations.
• Flag, research and assist in problem solving for quality or yield concerns.
• Collaborate with Expert growers, Plant Scientists and leadership to gain knowledge in setting up experiments, vertical farming technologies, IPM, chemical safety, and food safety expertise.
• Work cross functionally within the R&D team and with other teams such as Farm Production, Engineering, Marketing & Sales to knowledge share, prioritize, plan and deliver results.
• Work closely with bees and handle bee-related responsibilities, such as pollen feeding and bee health checks.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, 401(K)
• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance + Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental leave, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time
• Paid Training
• Office social events including happy hours, events, and parties
• Employee activity groups for basketball players, Yoga Enthusiasts, runners…

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed