Seasonal Lab Technician

Job Summary

Essential Functions

1. Test soil/media from all crops using a rotation schedule approved by Product Line Managers (PLM’s) or pull samples as needed and perform accurate testing for pH & EC levels.
2. Pull tissue samples from crops using a rotation schedule approved by PLM’s or as needed and do consistent and accurate in-house testing for virus & disease.
3. Take tissue samples that arrive from incoming shipments. Prepare samples for sending to outsource testing labs. Perform in-house tests upon arrival as determined by PLM’s or Growing Department Leadership.
4. Periodically pull soil &/or tissue samples to be sent off-site for analysis as assigned by PLM’s.
5. Pull weekly water samples from our irrigation supply lines and perform accurate testing for free and total chlorine levels and communicate results to the growing team.
6. As needed, assist IPM team with collecting insect cards and record accurate insect counts.
7. Work with the Lab Supervisor on tracking all positive virus results. Collaborate with the growing team in developing action steps for each virus discovered.
8. Make sure Agdia and in-house test results are shared in a timely fashion with the growing team.
9. Run labels for production, offsites, garden ready as well as retail labels for traffic.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate analytical skills by identifying areas in need of improvement along with innovative suggestions to address challenges.
• Recognize discrepancies in testing results. Trouble shoot and suggest potential solutions to challenges.
• Complete all testing and become an expert on all processes by following established protocols after training.
• Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude with all fellow employees and across all departments. Promote positive morale by working effectively as a team member. Act as an ambassador for our department whenever interacting with members of other departments and exemplify the values of cooperation, collaboration and teamwork.
• Effectively communicate with all fellow employees. Communicate all relevant job-related information as needed. Report problems or challenges without delay.
• Report to work as scheduled, maintaining a level of absences that results in minimal departmental disruption and minimal unfair burden on other employees.
• Adjust schedule as needed. IE- demonstrate flexibility to work more or less hours depending on the needs of the department.
• Utilize equipment only after completing the required training. Including but not limited to Tow Carts, Hi-Los, Scissor Lifts, Ladders, etc.
• Perform all work as quickly and efficiently as possible, without compromising quality.
• Participate in education programs as they are offered and continue to self-educate as needed when new plants, equipment, processes or techniques are introduced.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Previous lab knowledge or experience working in a lab setting is preferred
• Prior experience with detail-oriented tasks that required high level of organization and creative problem solving.
• Basic computer skills are required, more than a basic knowledge of computers is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are preferred

Benefits and Compensation