Production Technician

Production TechnicianJoin 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.Our Production Technician will join our Raleigh, NC Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. As a Production Technician at our Raleigh, NC 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.The digs:Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary to Permanent after 90-days based on performance and business needsSchedule: The role is 30 hours per week, and operations may occur 7 days a week during peak season. Employees may be scheduled for day, evening, and weekend shifts. Actual days worked will vary based on operational needs.Work Location: This is an onsite position in our Raleigh, NC office and laboratory.Travel: Less than 5% of the timeTarget Start Date: August 31, 2026Compensation: $20.00/hourWhat you'll cultivate as a Production Technician: (Your responsibilities)Ensure production spaces are kept clean, organized and compliant with safety protocolsExecute daily tasks according to established procedures and quality standardsMaintain high throughput expectationsReceive and sort samples according to the analysis orderedSet up and operate equipment (ovens, soil grinders, vacuum sealers, scales, etc.) according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and monitor machines and tools used in the production processHandle high-temperature materials (360 C+) (PPE provided)Organize (label, package, store) processed samples in accordance with workplace procedures to be added to an extensive soil libraryPerform equipment maintenance as neededRecord production data and complete required documentationAdhere to safety guidelines and regulatory requirementsAre you our soil-mate? You'll bloom in this role if you have: (Your qualifications)High school diploma required. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.Demonstrates ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environmentMaintains exceptional reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependabilityFosters a respectful workplace by building professional relationships and collaborating positively with all team membersAdapts to flexible working hours, with availability for occasional after-hours workApplies strong attention to detail in all work tasksWorks comfortably with large volumes of soil and soil slurryPerforms repetitive tasks with consistent quality and focusAdheres to all safety procedures and utilizes provided PPEDemonstrates proficiency in basic computer/IT troubleshooting and competency with hand toolsAbility to understand and precisely follow protocols and proceduresHaving knowledge of laboratory safety guidelinesWhile 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.**We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or transfer visas at this time.Although not required, we'd love to see roots in:Prior experience working in a soil processing lab or other production environmentPrior experience in a fast-paced, start-up environmentPrior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samplesAside from "the green", we can offer you:401k Plan + Employer Match up to 4%Accrued paid time offCandidate Referral ProgramAbove and Beyond Bonus ProgramRegular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offeringsHow we stay grounded:Although we have teammates working in the field, in-office, and at home, we aim to create a cohesive, diverse, and enriching environment for all of our employees. We embrace different tools to enhance our workflows and communicate intentionally, both live and asynchronously. A few quick facts you should know:We rely on Slack to communicate. Although there are a variety of team-specific systems to facilitate your work, this is our primary!We love both food and emojis at EarthOptics. If hired, you'll come to love (and use many) taco and donut emojis.Instead of values, we believe in actionable "cultural concepts". Collectively, we hold one another to act and give feedback with these concepts in mind. Ours are autonomy, accountability, collaboration, customer centricity, grit and grace.Inclusion and Diversity at EarthOptics:At EarthOptics, we embrace diversity and equality, and stand against any form of discrimination or harassment. We base all hiring and promotion decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability.We are deeply committed to welcoming and including every qualified individual. As a part of this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance during the job application or interview process, need support to perform essential job functions, or seek other benefits and privileges of employment, please reach out to us at View email address on click.appcast.io.