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 a Lead, Science Operations Technician to join our Plant Science team. The Plant Science team conducts research trials to develop new ways of growing plants in our unique indoor vertical systems and to optimize yield for a better food future. In this role, you will assist in leading all aspects of Plant Science research execution. Your skills and training will be applied to Plant Science research in a modern, fast paced, high-technology research facility.

You will be involved with our efforts aimed at optimizing all aspects of locally grown and packaged commercial produce using hydroponic indoor farming. Your role will include routine activities across a variety of stations, including plant handling, harvesting, research information monitoring, and collection of environmental and production data. Your primary responsibility is to support Operations Management in the day to day processing functions, and to help ensure that the team drives towards meeting all specifications outlined in research plans following safety, quality, and sanitation guidelines.

What you'll do

• Collaborate with Supervisor, Plant Science Operations to communicate and execute operational goals
• Support Supervisor, Plant Science Operations in training and supervision of Operations Technicians
• Lead Operations Technicians on a day to day basis to ensure daily tasks are accomplished in a safe, accurate and compliant manner
• Ensure Plant Science trial data accuracy
• Be hands-on and assist in seeding, transplanting, harvesting crops and all data collection events
• Perform routine end of shift daily cleaning of research environments, research equipment, and processing areas
• Provide clear and timely communication to Supervisor, Plant Science Operations and/or Manager, Plant Science Operations on issues, concerns, and task completion
• Assist in a broad range of operations activities including but not limited to plant monitoring, data collection, inspecting for proper climate operations
• Lead with proper use of PPE, workforce safety and food safety practices
• Mentor and assist in the development and growth of the team
• Assist Supervisor, Plant Science Operations and/or Manager, Plant Science Operations in troubleshooting faults throughout the research environments and effectively use escalation procedure if unable to address fault
• Effectively communicate with scientists and be able to answer technical questions about trial operations
• Other duties as assigned. Schedules will be reviewed periodically and are subject to change based on business needs
• Work Schedule: *Must be flexible

What you'll bring to the table

• Ability to lead a team by setting a good example
• Experience functioning as a proactive team player
• Experience in executing trial events
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrated passion in your work and a positive attitude while taking on difficult tasks
• Ability to operate with efficiency and determination under pressure over extended periods of time
• Ability to effectively document activities accurately
• Ability to effectively take directions and implement changes quickly
• Ability to be on time and follow shift schedule
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and life up to 40 pounds intermittently
• Qualify as a trainer level on all stations across at least one crop area with performed level experience across other crops

Type of role

Full-Time; Onsite

What we can offer

• Compensation; we’ll pay you a competitive wage on a biweekly basis, give you a stake in the company via equity and contribute toward your 401K
• Health & well-being; we’ll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits from day one, in-office gyms, and an Employee Assistance Program to help with mental health, financial & legal matters
• Food; in-office lunches, snacks and access to our leafy greens & new produce in development -- are you up for a side gig as a taste tester?
• Grow together; learning & development opportunities including unlimited access to our Upstart University platform, LinkedIn Learning, lunch & learns, training certifications, and more
• Equipment; we’ll provide you with the equipment you need to be successful, including $75/month toward your phone bill and $250 every 2 years to upgrade your phone
• Paid time off; we know you’ll do your best if you’re taking time to recharge, so we offer 2 weeks of paid time off + 6 days of paid sick leave per year in addition to the paid holidays we observe
• Parental leave; 12 weeks off for all new parents - fully paid so you can focus your energy on your newest addition

Food & Safety Requirements

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations
• All applicants must be 18 years or older to apply