Contract Operations Technician

About Plenty
Plenty is on a mission to make fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables more accessible to everyone. Our cutting-edge indoor, vertical farms produce extraordinary yields using a fraction of the land and water outdoor farms need. Nutrient-rich, mouth-watering and locally grown, our crops help people, communities and our planet to be healthier and more resilient.
The people and teams who make up Plenty are at the core of how we do this. We are a collaborative and innovative bunch. We are passionate about our contributions to Plenty, the communities around us and our planet, but never take ourselves too seriously. We're down to Earth, we grow together, and we always find a way. Most importantly, we are growing for a better tomorrow, today.
About the role
Plenty is looking for 2 contract Operations Technicians who will assist in all aspects of indoor farming for the Plant Science team. In this role, your skills and training will be applied to plant production in a modern, fast paced, high-technology hydroponic research facility. You will support our optimization efforts for a diversity of crops through routine activities centralized around research trial establishment, environment monitoring and maintenance, and data collection.
What you'll do

• This is a physical, hands-on role where you will be seeding, transplanting, pruning and harvesting crops as well as collecting and analyzing plant data.
• Supports the operations of Plenty's leafy greens and strawberry programs.
• Perform routine end of shift daily cleaning of lab, equipment, and work areas.
• Work with high-intensity plant production equipment.
• Collect, enter, organize, and validate data related to plant health, yield, and morphology ensuring data accuracy and data integrity.
• Consistently monitor environmental data, and conduct regular systems checks to identify abnormalities in test environment operation and notify appropriate teams for support with any issues.
• Mix or handle chemicals as needed.
• Follow established data collection and maintenance protocol for a diversity of environments and crops. Prepare samples for external analysis.
• Work dynamically across a variety of teams, cross-train to support multiple projects.
• Participates in light troubleshooting of equipment to reduce downtime.
• Actively seek out ways to support the team.
• Finish activities to the quality standard expected and within a reasonable amount of time.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Work Schedule: We operate 7 days a week (Sunday to Saturday) and shifts will be 40 hours a week with 2 consecutive days off. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule, either Sunday to Thursday OR Tuesday to Saturday (8 am - 5 pm OR 9 am - 5 pm). Schedules will be reviewed periodically and are subject to change based on business needs.

What you'll bring to the table

• Candidates must be 18 years or older with the ability to understand and adhere to all job requirements and safety guidelines.
• 1+ years of relevant work experience, such as food service. Basic horticulture experience preferred, but not required.
• Ability to practice safe work habits and follow lab protocols.
• Ability to effectively take direction and implement changes quickly.
• Ability to prioritize and operate with a sense of urgency, efficiency, and determination.
• Ability to work in groups or alone.
• Ability to effectively document tasks and observations accurately, experience with Google Suite preferred.
• Ability to proactively communicate blockers and problems with relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain stable and professional performance under pressure or opposition.
• Possess an intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn, be a team-player who is enthusiastic and hard-working.
• Must be able to adhere to process protocols.
• Ability to move throughout the building, with or without accommodation, to access plants in various confined spaces while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to go up and down stairs to complete daily activities.
• Must be able to inspect the plant(s) to detect abnormalities in physical size, shape, and color.

Type of role
Contract; Onsite
What we can offer

• Compensation: we'll pay you a competitive wage on a biweekly basis
• Health & well-being: we'll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical benefits after 90 days
• Food: in-office lunches, snacks and access to our leafy greens & new products in development -- are you up for a side gig as a taste tester?
• Grow together: learning & development opportunities including unlimited access to lunch & learns, training certifications, and more
• Equipment: we'll provide you with the equipment you need to be successful, including $75/month toward your home internet and phone bills and $250 every 2 years to upgrade your phone
• Sick leave & holidays: we offer 40 hours of sick leave per year + holiday pay on holidays we observe

Food safety requirements

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations