Plant Pathology Technician & Genotype Sampling

Ohalo; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 74,390,000 - 79,901,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohalo is seeking a detail-oriented Technician I to support plant pathology laboratory work (75%) and genotype sampling (25%). You will process field-collected plant samples for HPLC analysis, maintain rigorous records, and assist in field and greenhouse sampling.

Strong organization and protocol discipline are essential for success. The role requires 0–2 years in a lab or related setting, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work in lab, greenhouse, and field environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor’s preferred in plant science, biology, agriculture, or related field)
• 0–2 years of laboratory/technical experience
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain sample prep quality
• Ability to follow precise, protocol-driven procedures and maintain organized records
• Strong organizational skills to manage large numbers of samples
• Comfort working in a laboratory environment as well as field and greenhouse settings
• Ability to perform repetitive, detail-oriented lab tasks (pipetting, sample prep, labeling)
• Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and process plant samples for HPLC analysis per SOPs.
• Perform extraction, preparation, and handling to preserve sample integrity and data quality.
• Collect and label samples and maintain accurate, organized records.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and solutions.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and calibration checks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab workspace.
• Follow established biosecurity and sanitation protocols in lab, greenhouse, and field.
• Assist with sample collection for routine plant health testing in greenhouse and field.
• Support breeding team with greenhouse sampling; follow evolving protocols.
• Keep accurate digital records: IDs, dates, locations, tracking logs.
• Communicate with third-party vendors for genotyping, pickups, shipments, issue resolution.
• Maintain and organize inventory of sampling supplies.
• Track and report progress on sampling tasks.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Record keeping

Lab pipetting

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate/Bachelor’s in Plant Science, Biology, or Agriculture (preferred)

Tools

HPLC

Job description

Ohalo is seeking a detail-oriented Technician I to support plant pathology laboratory work (75%) and genotype sampling (25%). You will process field-collected plant samples for HPLC analysis, maintain rigorous records, and assist in field and greenhouse sampling.

Strong organization and protocol discipline are essential for success. The role requires 0–2 years in a lab or related setting, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work in lab, greenhouse, and field environments.