Associate Crop Specialist

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our founders, food industry veterans Mike and Tisha, knew that food wasn't what it used to be, so they wanted to make it better - by creating a new kind of farm. A farm that grows up to 300 times more food than an ordinary farm on a smaller footprint, without a drop of pesticides. Farms powered with 100% renewable energy, growing with 95% less water and delivering food within 48 hours for longer freshness for our customers and less food waste.

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader, operating commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, and soon-to-be Georgia in addition to research and development farms in Arkansas and The Hague, Netherlands. All farms utilize state-of-the-art technology and analytics developed by the Company's subsidiary, Infinite Acres.

80 Acres Farms branded salads, microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes are available at retailers and food service distributors, including Kroger, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Dorothy Lane Markets, Sysco, and US Foods from Michigan to Florida. 80 Acres Farms is supported by world-class investors and partners, including General Atlantic, Siemens, Barclays, Ocado, Priva, and Signify/Philips.

If you're interested in making a difference, join our team in changing how the world eats.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Functioning somewhat independently, incumbent assists with and conducts R&D Farm experiments under supervision of the Lead Crop Specialist, on research projects within well-defined guidelines; keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments in horticultural research; collects, prepares, and analyzes data; evaluates results of (or response to) process; summarizes data; may provide supervision and guidance to farm technicians.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities expected from role:

• The Associate Crop Specialist works independently on research projects as assigned by the Lead Crop Specialist

• The primary duty of the Associate Crop Specialist is to develop solutions to complex problems which require the regular application of scientific principles to conduct experimental tests and procedures in our R&D Farm and sometimes the commercial farm(s)

• The Associate Crop Specialist is a primary contributor in developing specific project requirements from concepts and is responsible for all aspects of their projects from development through delivery, determining the course and the objectives of their projects and the approach to their assignments by the Lead Crop Specialist

• The Associate Crop Specialist sets up and prepares materials, performs experimental procedures, records, and consolidates research data, and executes planned research activities using observation, measurement, and sometimes analytical techniques

• Based on his/her analyses, the Associate Crop Specialist prepares reports and presentations of results obtained through experiments

• The Associate Crop Specialist helps assure the validity of research conducted by ensuring the operational condition of scientific equipment through maintenance, operating it, and managing its use

• Assist and/or own the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for experimental protocols

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol as designed

• Utilization of established methods, techniques, and procedures in the performance of standard scientific research

• Knowledge of scientific approaches and methodologies, oversight, and quality control of specific scientific research procedures

• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in horticulture

• Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols

• Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of research integrity and accuracy

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or agronomy, plus three or more years of relevant experience

• Master's degree in horticultural science is preferred, plus two or more years of relevant experience

• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation is preferred

• Familiarity with plant breeding techniques, genetic analysis, and molecular biology is a plus

BENEFITS WE OFFER YOU

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one of employment- Health insurance plans start at $6/month

• Paid Time Off- Minimum of 2 weeks

• 1-week paid health & wellness time

• 10 paid holidays

• Parental leave

• Annual Tuition Reimbursement

• 401k with up to 4% company match

• Company-paid life insurance

• Short and long-term disability insurance

ABOUT OUR HIRING PRACTICES

Statistics show that underrepresented communities don't apply for a job unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. Don't worry if you think you can't check every box on the list; we'll provide all the on-the-job training you need.
80 Acres Farms is an equal opportunity employer. You're defined by more than just your job title, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your true self to work. We value your talents, your traditions, your take on the world, and everything else that makes you unique. We strive to be to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work.
80 Acres Farms participates in E-Verify. As required by law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon you providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. All candidates will be given the same consideration.