Operational R&D Technician

About Blue Ocean Barns

Blue Ocean Barns, Inc. (BOB) is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation on a mission to solve the climate impact of cattle by working with farmers and food companies to commercialize and rapidly scale the production and use of our proprietary, algae-based livestock feed ingredient. Originally launched in the heart of Silicon Valley, the company has since established operations on the Big Island of Hawai'i and San Diego. We are a well-resourced, professionally managed, and rapidly growing company looking for diverse and exceptionally talented people who are motivated to make a meaningful impact on climate change.

BOB has successfully transitioned the cultivation of Asparagopsis taxiformis (a red macroalgae) from the laboratory to a 0.25 acre outdoor production facility located at the Company’s headquarters in Kailua-Kona, HI (NELHA). The Company is currently expanding outdoor cultivation to a 4 acre property in Kailua-Kona, HI (NELHA).

This role requires a highly adaptable and flexible individual who is detail oriented and maintains a high level of organization. They will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, work well individually, and in a small group. This technician role will require an ability to focus on multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to all biosecurity protocols, and maintain confidentiality with experimental findings.

About The Role

• Maintain daily records of care activities and observations, noting patterns and changes
• Commit to bringing one's best self to work daily including an eagerness to learn and contribute as a team member and as an individual
• Perform scheduled system maintenance, including but not limited to changing filters and cleaning air/water lines.
• Be willing to stay abreast of the latest advancements and emerging trends in relevant scientific fields. Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance expertise and proficiency
• Work with Ops R&D and Quality Analytical Department to design, test, and implement new NTS (None Target Species) quantification techniques for each phase of production.
• Demonstrate the capability to comprehend and extract relevant information from academic scientific papers in order to integrate this knowledge into daily microscopy and other ongoing projects
• Help maintain large outdoor Operational R&D aquaculture systems, including but not limited to cleaning tanks, daily feeding and monitoring, and data collection.
• Help build, test, and optimize new systems as they move from design to implementation in farm production.
• Respect and protect the confidentiality of the company’s proprietary information
• Create and maintain a clean environment, following all safety and biosecurity procedures
• Work with the Operational R&D members to start, reset, and end experiments.
• Help prepare for new experiments by creating solutions, prepping samples, making data logs, and readying experimental spaces
• Perform duties accurately and according to protocols, providing optimal care to the algae independently and with minimal supervision, once trained
• Prepare clean vessels and nutrient-rich water according to protocols and conduct water exchanges, inspecting algae material using a dissecting and/or compound microscope
• Run R&D-associated in-house analytical measurements, including but not limited to nutrient quantification, non-target species assessments, and non-target species quantification
• Verifies proper operation and calibrates; scales, thermometers, and other devices on a regular schedule to ensure they are working and recording data properly
• Daily feeding, monitoring, and data collection of ongoing experiments.

Experience, Abilities, and Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods, primarily in an air-conditioned indoor lab with concrete floors, occasionally on wet surfaces
• Ability to perform fine manipulations with hands and fingers
• Ability to learn and use various digital systems (e.g. Excel, Google Suite, remote sensor monitoring systems)
• Ability to drive a golf cart and poses a current driver’s license
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Degree in ecology, biology, or marine-related field or 1+ years of experience in aquaculture, lab, or other scientific setting
• Ability to use math skills in performing duties
• Ability or willingness to learn to utilize laboratory equipment and work in a sterile environment
• Ability to work with and around chemicals such as bleach and acid, following all safety guidelines including wearing a full-face respirator for limited periods of time

Employment Policy

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Full health, vision, and dental coverage, covering 100% of insurance premium for team members and 50% for dependents.

Opportunity to participate in a team member stock option plan, sharing in ownership of the company.