Food Lab Tech Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 applyeven 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 Regular, Part-Time after 90-days based on performance and business needs
• Schedule: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 Emeryville, CA office and laboratory.
• Travel:Less than 5% of the time
• Target Start Date:August 31, 2026
• Compensation:$22.00/hour
  

What youll cultivate as a Production Technician: (Your 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

Are you our soil-mate? Youll bloom in this role if you have: (Your qualifications)

• 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.

**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, wed love to see roots in:

• 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.

Aside from the green, we can offer you:

• 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

How 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, youll 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 accommodations@earthoptics.com.