Mite Production Technician - Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mite Production Technician supports the rearing, harvesting, quality control, and packaging of beneficial insects and mites used in biological pest control. This role is essential to maintaining high standards of organism health, environmental cleanliness, and production accuracy. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with live organisms, and committed to contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the propagation and rearing of beneficial insects and mites according to company protocols.
• Monitor insect life cycles, growth stages, and environmental conditions to ensure healthy production.
• Perform tasks such as feeding, harvesting, sorting, and transferring live insects with precision and care.
• Prepare, package, and label live insect shipments for customer delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards.
• Record production data accurately using established systems (Excel, databases, or other software), including batch numbers, quantities, and developmental observations.
• Conduct routine cleaning and sanitization of production areas, equipment, and workstations to prevent contamination.
• Follow biosecurity, safety, and hygiene protocols strictly, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate microscopes and stereoscopes to observe insect and mite development and quality.
• Communicate any anomalies in insect or mite behavior, health, or facility conditions to supervisors promptly.
• Support cross-functional tasks including inventory management, supply restocking, and minor facility maintenance.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives, including troubleshooting and process efficiency projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent (biology, agriculture, or related coursework preferred).
• Experience in insect rearing, agriculture, animal care, or laboratory work preferred.
• Computer literacy and ability to accurately enter and maintain data in spreadsheets or databases.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or other laboratory/production standards preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work in a positive, team-oriented, and cross-functional environment.
• Strong observation, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain accuracy in repetitive tasks.
• Fine motor skills and ability to handle delicate tasks with precision.
• Close visual acuity for monitoring very small organisms under magnification.
• Comfort working with live insects and mites in a production/laboratory setting.
• Commitment to safety, biosecurity, and hygiene compliance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Close visual acuity required for tasks involving insect and mite observation, equipment operation, and data entry.
• Manual dexterity for handling small and delicate insects and mites with care.
• Ability to work in controlled environments with variable temperatures and humidity.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds regularly.
• Frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements.
• Extended periods of standing or sitting, including time operating a stereoscope and/or computer.