Part-Time Farm Operator (Jersey City)

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

As part of our Production Team, a Farm 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.

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.

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

What We Look for in a Farm Operator:

• 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
• No growing experience necessary, on the job training will be provided.
• Ability to work the following Shift & Schedule:
  • Monday - Wednesday, 7 AM - 3:30 PM

Perks at Oishii:

• Hourly compensation starts at $17.00/hour
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance + Long Term Disability Insurance
• EAP Access
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Roth & Traditional)
• Paid Parental leave
• Office social events including happy hours, parties, and community service projects
• Employee activity groups for basketball players, Yoga Enthusiasts, runners…

About Oishii: 

At Oishii, we grow the best fruit in the world by deploying ground-breaking vertical farming technology that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. We’re the first in the WORLD to grow fruit in an indoor vertical farm at commercial scale. We started with strawberries, which we debuted at Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, the three star Michelin restaurant considered by critics to be among the best in the world. Since then, we have supplied our strawberries to food-loving consumers, world-class restaurants, and specialty retailers across NYC. Our proprietary technology enables us to grow the very best produce year-round, at the same high level of quality, all without using any pesticides. 

Oishii has been profiled in Eater, NPR, Time Magazine, and Fortune. Oishi was also one of the Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies of 2022. 

At Oishii, everything we do works toward accomplishing our mission of transforming agriculture sustainably while bringing produce that truly delights people everywhere. This requires farmers, engineers, scientists, product managers, and members of many other backgrounds to work together day-in and day-out to innovate, while operating increasingly large farms. We have an amazing mission-driven team of highly motivated and engaged members. 

Learn More https://oishii.com/