Production Technician - Chemistry

About the role

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). 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.

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

Qualifications

• High school diploma required or equivalent experience required. 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
• 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
• This job will be performed in a Lab environment; dress is casual with closed toes shoes and long pants
• Personal Protective Equipment is supplied as well as lab coats

Preferred qualifications

• 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

Pay

$22.00/hour

Schedule

Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary to Regular, Part-Time after 90-days based on performance and business needs. 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. This is an onsite position in our Emeryville, CA office and laboratory. Travel: Less than 5% of the time.

Benefits

• 401k Plan + Employer Match up to 4%
• Accrued paid time off
• Candidate Referral Program
• Above and Beyond Bonus Program
• Regular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offerings