Production Technician - Intake (Emeryville

Join Earth Optics as a Production Technician
- Intake!

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 Earth Optics, we are combining cutting-edge genomic analysis, data science, microbiology, and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our mission is to help farmers and ranchers sustainably increase their yields and feed the growing world through all things soil. 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 two 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.

• Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary to Regular, Part-Time after 90-days based on performance and business needs
• Work Location:
  
  This is an onsite position in our Emeryville, CA office and laboratory
• 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.
• Target
  
  Start Date:
  
  August 31, 2026
• Compensation: $22.00 per hour

• Receive, inspect, organize, and log incoming soil samples into the laboratory information system, ensuring accurate identification and traceability.
• Sort, label, and route samples to the appropriate processing workflows while maintaining quality, chain of custody, and documentation standards.
• Identify and resolve routine sample discrepancies, escalating complex issues and coordinating with laboratory, production, and project teams as needed.
• Operate and maintain intake equipment, work spaces, and supplies while following all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain an orderly intake queue and prioritize samples according to operational needs.
• Support downstream soil processing activities, including drying, homogenization, subsampling, labeling, storage, and other production tasks to maintain efficient laboratory operations.
• Support other laboratory and production activities as operational needs require.

• High school diploma required.
• 1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing, production or other similar fast-paced environment.
• Ability to accurately follow sample receiving, labeling, documentation, and routing procedures while maintaining sample traceability.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to identify and elevate sample discrepancies, including damaged, mislabeled, or nonconforming samples.
• Basic computer skills and experience with barcode scanners, label printers, and data entry.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work independently when needed.
• Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and follow quality, safety, and regulatory procedures.
• Comfort working with dusty soil samples, damaged packaging, regulated soil, and samples requiring special handling, with appropriate training and PPE.
• 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.

• Prior…