Production Associate; Raleigh

Join Earth Optics as a Production Associate!

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 unified 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 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 Associate will join our Raleigh, NC Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. As a Production Associate at our Raleigh, NC 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 analytical equipment. This role requires good organizational skills, adaptability in a fast‑paced environment, and collaboration with coworkers located on- and off‑site to support sustainable and data‑driven agricultural practices.

Good communication skills are essential to ensure proper synchronization between other labs, and upstream and downstream departments and processes.

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 apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement. You could be the perfect fit for this role or future opportunities.

• Job Type: Part‑Time, Non‑Exempt, Temporary to Permanent after 90‑days based on performance and business needs
• Schedule:
  
  Monday through Friday, 8am‑5pm ET or as workload requires.
• Work Location:
  
  This is an onsite position in our Raleigh, NC office and laboratory.
• Travel:
  Less than 5% of the time
• Target
  
  Start Date:
  
  ASAP
• Compensation: $23.00 per hour

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Maintain high throughput sample processing expectations
• Receive and sort samples according to the analysis ordered
• Operate standard and sensitive lab equipment (carbon analyzers, ICPs, FIAs, centrifuges, pH robots, etc.)
• Track project/sample status to ensure all samples receive the correct analyses within the given turnaround time
• Perform regular analytical quality assessment and instrument maintenance
• Handle high‑temperature materials (360 C+) (PPE provided)
• Organize (label, package, store) processed samples into extensive soil library
• Analytical data entry into computer systems
• Adhere to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any related technical field or 1 year of full time laboratory experience
• Experienced in operating complex laboratory instrumentation, performing maintenance, and analytical quality assessments.
• Ability to track multiple projects at a time to ensure samples are on track for analyses in time and quality.
• Demonstrates ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment
• Maintains exceptional reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability
• Fosters a respectful workplace by building professional relationships and collaborating positively with all team members
• Adapts to flexible working hours, with availability for occasional after‑hours sample exchanges
• Applies strong attention to detail in all work tasks
• Works comfortably with large volumes of soil and soil slurry
• Performs repetitive tasks with consistent quality and focus
• Handles chemicals and sharps safely while adhering to all safety…