Technician I – Plant Pathology & 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

Job Title:Technician I – Plant Pathology & Genotype Sampling
Location: Watsonville, CA
Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Technician I to support plant pathology laboratory work (approximately 75%) and genotype sampling (approximately 25%). Primary responsibilities include processing field-collected plant samples for HPLC analysis while maintaining accurate sample preparation and tracking across high sample volumes. The technician will also assist with routine plant health testing and genotype sample collection in field and greenhouse environments. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, technologically and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively to meet project goals in a dynamic work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Pathology Laboratory and Sample Processing (~75%)

• Receive, log, and process plant samples for HPLC analysis in accordance with established SOPs.
• Perform sample extraction, preparation, and handling with accuracy to maintain 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 as directed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Follow established biosecurity and sanitation protocols in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Assist with sample collection for routine plant health testing in greenhouse and field settings.

Genotype Sampling (~25%)

• Support the breeding team with greenhouse sampling work, following multiple protocols that evolve regularly.
• Keep careful, accurate digital records: sample IDs, dates, locations, and tracking logs.
• Communicate directly with third-party vendors when needed (coordinating genotyping, scheduling pickups, confirming shipments, resolving sample issues).
• Maintain and organize inventory of sampling supplies.
• Track and report progress on sampling tasks so the team always knows where things stand.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in plant science, biology, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, agricultural, or related technical setting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain sample prep quality while processing high sample volumes.
• Ability to follow precise, protocol-driven procedures and maintain accurate, organized records.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to track and manage large numbers of samples simultaneously.
• 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) for extended periods.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred

• Coursework or degree in Plant Science, Biology, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field
• Prior experience with HPLC or other analytical lab instrumentation
• Familiarity with plant disease/pest identification and basic diagnostic techniques
• Comfort with spreadsheets and following detailed, evolving protocols

Below is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications. This range is for the Watsonville, CA location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.

Anticipated compensation: $27/hr

About Ohalo

Ohalo™ aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.

Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.

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