What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Farm Operator, IPM position at Oishii?
We grow the world’s BEST Strawberries & that wouldn’t be possible without our R&D Team!
We are seeking a R&D Operator, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) who is responsible for the execution of day-to-day IPM activities across production and R&D facilities under the training and supervision of the IPM Researcher. Individuals carry out hands-on execution of pest scouting, tracking of released beneficial insects, laboratory tests for pathogen monitoring, farm operations to support IPM research, and interventions for risk mitigation and outbreaks.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Scout indoor farms for pests and beneficial insects to keep timely scouting records
- Collect samples required for monitoring and root-causing of pests and plant pathogens
- Perform laboratory tests and report results to support the monitoring of plant pathogens in hydroponic systems
- Conduct regular IPM risk assessments in farms and facilities to identify and solve any potential risk situations.
- Support the execution of interventions to mitigate IPM risks and outbreaks
- Execute farm operations of IPM research happening in production which can include pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing, plant maintenance, preparing and applying agricultural products, and collecting data.
- Proactively report and discuss findings, challenges, and solutions with the IPM Researcher
- Work collaboratively with Expert Growers, Operations, Facilities, and Maintenance teams to achieve IPM goals
Qualifications:
Who will love this job: Individuals who identify with our Core Values and exhibit skills within those values will thrive at Oishii.
- One Team, One Fight!
- Ability to quickly shift priorities to meet deadlines and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with purpose at various levels of the organization.
- Ability to work cross functionally at all levels including across locations, and collaborate with a focus on supporting & understanding the evolving business needs of a startup environment.
- Ability to lead through others and develop teams with a diverse level of experience to succeed.
- Focus.
- Ability to remove obstacles in order to prioritize which could include problem solving, working through ambiguity and using fact based or sound judgment in the absence of process or policy. We are building it, but need to manage through the process with good judgment and a bias for action.
- Ability to synthesize information quickly to aid in the troubleshooting process.
- GSD (Get Sh** Done!)
- Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset with the tenacity to develop ideas, process, and policy and implement them rapidly.
- Capable of prioritizing tasks and considering the resources available when doing so.
- A bias for action! Ability to hold yourself accountable and take ownership of driving results that impact company outcomes.
- Track record of effectively handling complex employee relations issues, and addressing sensitive information and difficult situations with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.
What we look for in an R&D Farm Operator:
- 1-2 years of experience in commercial greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture or insectaries, with demonstrated hands-on experience in IPM activities is a plus!
- Proven capability to tend to plant needs with attention to detail and dexterity of care.
- Ability to take direction and then work independently or as part of a small team in a highly collaborative and cross functional department.
- Passion for Plants! Remain up to date on the latest developments in indoor agriculture, and strawberry farming.
Shift & Schedules Available:
- Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Additional Details:
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
- Ability to climb a ladder
- Ability to crouch or kneel
- Ability to reach and stretch
- Hand dexterity
- Comfortable in an active non sedentary role for lengths of up to 5 to 6 hours at time
- MUST NOT be allergic to bees
- The role is hands-on with about 80% of time spent in the farm tending to our plants.
Perks at Oishii:
- Hourly compensation: $20.00/hour
- Medical, dental, vision, 401(K)
- 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Parental leave, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time
- Paid Training
- Office social events including happy hours, events, and parties
- Employee activity groups for basketball players, Yoga Enthusiasts, runners…
About Oishii:
Oishii (which means “delicious” in Japanese) is the innovative company behind the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm. On a mission to transform the agriculture industry through the power of smart farming, Oishii harmoniously marries nature with state-of-the-art technology to create the ideal elements—rain, air, heat, light, nourishment and natural bee pollination—for growing in-season produce all year round. Oishii’s beloved Omakase, Koyo and Nikko Berries are grown in pesticide-free vertical farms in the U.S. and proudly bear the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Founded in 2016, Oishii’s investors include SPARX Group, NTT, Yaskawa, McWin Capital Partners and Resilience Reserve. Oishii was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” in 2022.
Today, Oishii operates farms and research facilities across the United States and Japan, bringing together expertise from both countries to advance the future of agriculture. As a Japanese-founded company with global ambitions, we are building a world-class team dedicated to transforming how premium produce is grown and delivered. For more information, visit www.oishii.com.
Salary : $20