R&D Technician 3

About The Company

Our founders, food industry veterans Mike and Tisha, knew that food wasn't what it used to be. They wanted to make it better—by creating a new kind of farm. A farm that can grow up to 300 times more food than an open-field farm on a smaller footprint, without use of herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals that you don’t want in your food. A farm powered with 100% renewable energy, growing with 95% less water and delivering food within 48 hours, for longer freshness for our customers and less food waste. 

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader, operating commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, and soon Georgia in addition to research and development farms in Arkansas and The Hague, Netherlands. All farms utilize state-of-the-art technology and analytics developed by the company's subsidiary, Infinite Acres. 

80 Acres Farms-branded salads, microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes are available at retailers and food service distributors from Michigan to Florida, including Kroger, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Dorothy Lane Markets, Sysco, and US Foods. 80 Acres Farms is supported by world-class investors and partners, including General Atlantic, Siemens, Barclays, Ocado, and Signify Philips.

If you're interested in making a difference, join our team and help us change how the world eats. 

Position Overview

We are looking for self-motivated and driven individuals who can support and promote a team atmosphere. This individual will do so by providing basic crop handling responsibilities, including pruning, and maintaining vine crops; harvesting leafy greens, tomatoes, and herbs; and performing quality inspections. This individual will follow good manufacturing practices critical to food safety and to their team. R&D technicians will gain the hands-on experience and the initial skills needed to help promote advancement within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Seed & harvest leafy greens, tomatoes, and herbs on commercial scale
• Basic crop maintenance, such as pruning
• Complete data collection and documentation to ensure traceability and inventory accuracy
• Operate machinery including scissor lift, automated seeder, & automated harvester
• Sanitation of farm materials
• Follow all GMP’s to ensure food safety
• Priva scheduling changes.
• Maintaining priva pH and EC sensors.
• Creating lighting Programs for crop specialists
• Execute planned trials and scheduled data events in a timely manner by collaborating with the lead crop specialist, operations manager, and other technicians.
• Clearly communicate SOP’s that are associated with the crop program that they are assigned to work with.
• Help in creating SOP’s for specific crop programs.
• Participate in trial results presentations for trials you have been working on 1:1 with the lead crop specialist.
• Keep up with maintenance of NCD sensors inside of grow zones.
• Make decisions on trial changes when needed, with consultation from Crop Specialist.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of research trials which include system maintenance and plant care. Plant care includes: irrigation scheduling, mixing fertilizer, pollination when needed, harvesting, pruning, seeding, transplanting, pest monitoring, etc.
• Maintaining seed inventory for crop programs associated with.
• Meet with the Lead Crop Specialist to go over future trial plans.
• Other duties assigned
  
  

Specialized Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Adaptability to fast pace environment and quickly evolving processes
• Detail and quality oriented
  
  

Qualifications

• Basic computer proficiency
• Ability to operate machinery, use a ladder, & lift 50 lbs
• Agriculture, science, and/or production background a plus
• Ability to work weekends, as needed
  
  

Benefits We Offer You

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one of employment-- health insurance plans start at just $25/month
• Two weeks paid vacation
• One week paid health & wellness time
• 10 paid holidays
• Parental leave
• 401k with up to 4% Company match
• Annual tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
  
  

About Our Hiring Practices

Statistics show that underrepresented communities don’t apply for a job unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. Don’t worry if you think you can’t check every box on the list; we’ll provide all the on-the-job training you need.

80 Acres Farms is an equal opportunity employer. You’re defined by more than just your job title, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your true self to work. We value your talents, your traditions, your take on the world, and everything else that makes you unique. We strive to be to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work.

80 Acres Farms participates in E-Verify. As required by law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon you providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. All candidates will be given the same consideration.