Production Technician (Temp to Hire)

Description:

Production Technician (Temp to Hire)

Department: Biological Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor or Operations Manager
Location: Bella Vista
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Production Technician – Insect Production 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.

Key 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, including batch numbers, quantities, and developmental observations
• Conduct routine cleaning and sanitization of production areas, equipment, and workstations to prevent contamination
• Follow biosecurity and safety protocols strictly, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Communicate any anomalies in insect 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 as directed

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience in agriculture, entomology, greenhouse operations, lab work, or animal husbandry preferred
• Comfort working in environments with live insects and organic material
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records
• Fine motor skills and the ability to handle delicate tasks with precision
• Ability to work in warm or humid environments typical of insect rearing facilities
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Dependable, organized, and capable of working independently or as part of a small team

Work Environment:

• Work is conducted in controlled environments such as greenhouses, insectaries, or rearing rooms
• Regular exposure to high humidity, variable temperatures, and live insect populations
• Use of PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and hairnets may be required
• Flexible scheduling may be necessary during peak production seasons

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time during rearing and production tasks
• Manual dexterity to handle small and delicate insects with care
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly
• Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements
• Comfort working in high-humidity and variable-temperature environments typical of insect rearing facilities
• Use of ladders or step stools as needed to access equipment or materials

Requirements: