Koyo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a R&D Farm Operator who is responsible for the execution of farming and R&D-related tasks in R&D farms contributing to our exceptional product development and plant health. Individuals execute the day-to-day operations of the R&D Farm which includes pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing and transferring plants and also work to collect data including measurements, physiology and other metrics. 

• 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. This may be on project teams or work streams or in everyday interactions. 
• Work closely with our bees and handle bee-related responsibilities, such as pollen feeding and bee health checks.

• One Team, One Fight!
  • Ability to quickly shift priorities to meet deadlines and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with purpose at various levels of the organization. 
  • Ability to work cross functionally at all levels including across locations, and collaborate with a focus on supporting & understanding the evolving business needs of a startup environment. 
  • Ability to lead through others and develop teams with a diverse level of experience to succeed.  
• Focus.
  • Ability to remove obstacles in order to prioritize which could include problem solving, working through ambiguity and using fact based or sound judgment in the absence of process or policy. We are building it, but need to manage through the process with good judgment and a bias for action.  
  • Ability to synthesize information quickly to aid in the troubleshooting process. 
• GSD (Get Sh** Done!)
  • Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset with the tenacity to develop ideas, process, and policy and implement them rapidly.
  • Capable of prioritizing tasks and  considering the resources available when doing so.
  • A bias for action! Ability to hold yourself accountable and take ownership of driving results that impact company outcomes.
  • Track record of effectively handling complex employee relations issues, and addressing sensitive information and difficult situations with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.

• 1-2 years of experience working in a vertical farm, greenhouse, or traditional farm. Strawberry knowledge or experience is a plus!
• 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. 
• Passion for Plants! Remain up to date on the latest developments in indoor agriculture, and strawberry farming.

Shift & Schedules Available:

• Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Additional Details: 

• 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
• The role is hands-on with about 80% of time spent in the farm tending to our plants.

• Hourly compensation: $20.00/hour
• 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…

Oishii (which means “delicious” in Japanese) is the innovative company behind the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm. On a mission to transform the agriculture industry through the power of smart farming, Oishii harmoniously marries nature with state-of-the-art technology to create the ideal elements—rain, air, heat, light, nourishment and natural bee pollination—for growing in-season produce all year round. Oishii’s beloved Omakase, Koyo and Nikko Berries are grown in pesticide-free vertical farms in the U.S. and proudly bear the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Founded in 2016, Oishii’s investors include SPARX Group, NTT, Yaskawa, McWin Capital Partners and Resilience Reserve. Oishii was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” in 2022.

Today, Oishii operates farms and research facilities across the United States and Japan, bringing together expertise from both countries to advance the future of agriculture. As a Japanese-founded company with global ambitions, we are building a world-class team dedicated to transforming how premium produce is grown and delivered. For more information, visit www.oishii.com.