Production Technician – Intake (Onsite)

About the role

EarthOptics is seeking a Production Technician – Intake to join its Emeryville laboratory. The technician will manage the receipt, documentation, and routing of incoming soil samples, ensuring traceability and quality in a fast‑paced, high‑throughput environment.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, organize, and log incoming soil samples into the laboratory information system.
• Sort, label, and route samples to appropriate processing workflows while maintaining chain‑of‑custody documentation.
• Identify and resolve routine sample discrepancies; escalate complex issues to laboratory and project teams.
• Operate and maintain intake equipment, workspaces, and supplies in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain an orderly intake queue and prioritize samples based on operational needs.
• Support downstream soil processing activities such as drying, homogenization, subsampling, labeling, and storage.
• Assist with other laboratory and production tasks as operational demands require.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in a manufacturing, production, or similarly fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to follow detailed sample receiving, labeling, and documentation procedures while preserving traceability.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Capability to identify and escalate damaged, mislabeled, or non‑conforming samples.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with barcode scanners, label printers, and data entry.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; ability to work independently when needed.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, stoop, lift up to 50 lb, and work with dusty soil samples using appropriate PPE.

Required skills

• Barcode scanner operation
• Label printer usage
• Data entry in laboratory information systems
• Sample receiving, labeling, and documentation
• Laboratory equipment handling and maintenance

What we offer

• 401(k) plan with employer match up to 4 %
• Accrued paid time off
• Candidate referral program
• Above‑and‑beyond bonus program
• Regular opportunities to give feedback on benefits