Lead Crop Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

At 80 Acres Farms , we're on a mission to change the way the world eats—and we're looking for people who want to help us do it.

We grow pesticide-free salads, herbs, microgreens, and salad kits in smart vertical farms that produce more food with far fewer resources—using up to 95% less water and renewable electricity, with no reliance on weather or seasons. Our produce is available in more than 17,000 retail locations nationwide, including Kroger, Whole Foods, HEB, and The Fresh Market, and reaches food service partners across the country year-round.

What makes this possible is a combination of people, technology, and purpose. Our proprietary growing platform, developed by our technology subsidiary, Infinite Acres, provides our teams with real-time data and control over every aspect of the growing environment—making our farms among the most advanced in the world. We operate commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, and Colorado, packhouses in Indiana, Virginia, and Washington, and research and development facilities in Arkansas, Israel, and the Netherlands.

We've grown significantly through the acquisitions of Kalera and Soli Organic, and we're just getting started.

If you're passionate about sustainability, food, and building something that matters, we'd love to have you on the team.

The Impact You’ll Make

The Lead Crop Optimization Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting production research activities that drive crop performance and operational improvements. This role supports trial planning, execution logistics, documentation, and cross-functional communication to ensure research projects are completed effectively and data is captured accurately. The position works closely with Agronomy, Operations, R&D, and Data Analytics teams to support successful trial execution and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Coordinate production research trials across multiple facilities, including scheduling, resource planning, and execution support.
• Maintain research calendars, project timelines, and trial status updates.
• Ensure trial protocols, observations, and results are accurately documented and maintained in centralized systems.
• Partner with Operations, Agronomy, R&D, and Data Analytics teams to support trial implementation and data collection.
• Monitor project milestones, identify potential risks, and communicate issues to leadership.
• Assist with analysis readiness by ensuring research data is complete, organized, and accessible.
• Prepare trial summaries, reports, and project updates for stakeholders.
• Support the development and improvement of research processes, documentation standards, and best practices.
• Participate in post-trial reviews and help implement lessons learned.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three+ years of experience supporting agricultural research, crop production, technical projects, or related operations.

What Makes You Successful Here

• Strong organizational, project coordination, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience supporting production-scale agricultural trials.
• Knowledge of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) or vertical farming operations.
• Familiarity with trial design, data collection, and research methodologies.
• Experience working with research databases, analytics tools, or agricultural technology platforms.

Working at 80 Acres Farms

At 80 Acres Farms , we believe taking care of our people is just as important as taking care of our plants. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your family, and your future.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• At least 2 weeks of paid vacation, plus a minimum of 40 hours of paid sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with up to a 4% company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Paid time off, sick time, and leave benefits are offered in accordance with state and local laws and may vary depending on where you work.

Our Hiring Commitment

80 Acres Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You’re defined by more than just your job title, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your true self to work. We value your talents, your traditions, your take on the world, and everything else that makes you unique. We strive to be to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

80 Acres Farms participates in E-Verify. As required by law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon you providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. All candidates will be given the same consideration.