Harvesting Operator

Paycom - ATS; Phillipsburg (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$19/hr wage

Medical, dental, vision, 401(K)

Life Insurance + LTD

Paid Parental leave

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Time

Paid Training

Social events and activity groups

Job summary

Oishii is seeking a Harvesting Operator to join our production team in Phillipsburg, NJ. The role focuses on hands-on farming tasks, including pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing, and transferring plants within a high-efficiency environment.

You will work in a fast-paced setting, coordinating with packaging and distribution, and using new farming technologies. A strong work ethic and attention to detail are essential to thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, reliable and punctual.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Willingness to collaborate across departments and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Execute pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing, and plant transfers in a timely manner.
• Operate and troubleshoot farming technologies as needed.
• Manage all stages of the plant life cycle including propagation, cultivation, pruning, and harvesting.
• Coordinate with packaging and distribution teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Collect data to support continuous improvement of strawberry production.

Skills

Adaptability

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Ownership

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.00 - $19.00 Hourly, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Production Operations, Harvesting Operator

We grow the world’s BEST Strawberries & our Harvesting Operators are a huge reason why!

As part of our Production Team, a Harvesting Operator is responsible for the execution of farming and related tasks in a production farm contributing to our exceptional product and plant health. Individuals execute the day-to-day operations of the Farm which includes pruning, harvesting, cleaning, sanitizing and transferring plants.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Ensure tasks such as pruning, harvesting, and cleaning/sanitizing are completed timely.
• Operate and troubleshoot new farming technologies.
• Manage all stages of the strawberry plant life cycle - propagation, cultivation, pruning, and harvesting.
• Communicate and work cross functionally with packaging and distribution.
• Engage in information and data collection as necessary so that we can continually improve our strawberries.
• Escalate concerns to leadership as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our plants and our people.

The role is hands-on with about 90% of time spent in the farm tending to our plants.

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.
• Outgoing and collaborative work style- Ability to work cross functionally at all levels and collaborate at various levels of the organization.

Focus

• Ability to remove obstacles in order to prioritize which could include problem solving, working through ambiguity and using fact based or sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently, with a high attention to detail, and ability to create structure & process where none may exist.

GSD (Get Sh** Done!)

• Capable of prioritizing tasks and always 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.

What We Look for in a Harvester:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to maintain excellent punctuality and attendance.
• You love strawberries and learning new things!
• You love the natural rhythm of farming and would thrive spending hours every day in a farm caring for plants–experience with gardening is a plus
• Attention to detail & ability to recognize imperfections in products/produce.
• Prior Experience in a commercial kitchen or commercial packaging operation is a plus! Food Safety Certification is also a plus!
• No growing experience necessary, on the job training will be provided.

Physical Requirements:

• 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 6 to 8 hours at a time
• MUST NOT be allergic to bees

Shift & Schedule:

• 4 days/week, onsite
• Schedules: Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday (weekend availability required)
• Shifts: Day (6:00am–4:30pm) or Night (7:30pm–6:00am)

Perks at Oishii:

• Compensation: $19/hr
• 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.