Agricultural Research Assistant

Agricultural research assistant & farm manager

Reporting to: Chief Agronomist

Location: Olympia and Tumwater, Washington.

Dates: Arpil 1-August 24, 2024

Company

Hexas Biomass Inc. is a nature-based solutions company focused on the production of regenerative, plant-based materials. Hexas produces XanoFiber™, a natural fiber solution tailored to replace and supplement wood, food crops for fuels, and fossil fuel-based raw materials in many applications at lower costs and with superior performance. Applications for XanoFiber™ include biofuels and other structural and non-structural products. Its proprietary technologies allow the company to alter the biochemical and physical structure of XanoFiber™ to optimize it as a drop-in solution for use in existing production infrastructure. XanoFiber™ is a carbon-negative solution that also addresses the rising cost of raw materials. Hexas produces XanoFiber™ from its proprietary perennial grass varieties, collectively branded as XanoGrass™.

We are looking to add outstanding, mission-motivated team members to help us scale, tackle sustainability, and make a significant positive impact in our world. Read more about Hexas on our website, https://hexas.com/.

Opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic self-starter for a part-time, 20 hours per week agricultural research and farm manager from April 1-August 24, 2024, to assist in small scale production and research of our proprietary bioenergy crop. Hexas has received funding from the US Department of Energy under a SBIR grant for the test production and processing of our XanoGrass™. This funding will be used to support this position. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on agricultural research experience while making a difference for the planet. The job includes data collection on plant growth, irrigation measurement, soil testing, and in-field crop development management. You will learn about the production of bioenergy crops, the use of enhanced irrigation systems, and work on grant research related to the production of bioenergy and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). You will report to Hexas’ Chief Agronomist and work with multiple Hexas team members.

Responsibilities

• Care and maintenance of Hexas’ Olympia Research Farm, including management and repair of irrigation system, fertigation application, crop installation, weed removal, and general field maintenance.
• Bi-weekly measurement and documentation of plant growth, irrigation, rainfall, temperature, and fertigation
• Written and photographic recording of observations and changes
• Measurement and recording of soil conditions
• Measurement and recording of plant growth
• Harvesting of crop for testing
• Reporting of any issues to manager

Job Skills

The right candidate will have:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to collaborate with a team are essential
• Experience in agricultural data collection and analysis skills and crop production
• A solid understanding of irrigation
• Experience with fertigation and weed control
• Ability to keep excellent records
• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Simply photography for photo documentation

Work Environment

Work will take place outside on our research farm in NE Olympia and in our laboratory in Tumwater, WA. Work from home is an option for some tasks. A laptop with the necessary software will be provided.

Compensation

• Position is $25-35/hour depending on experience.
• $100/month travel allowance
• $50/month communications allowance.

Inclusion

We are actively creating a workplace where authentic communication, collaboration, and inclusion enable people to become their best selves personally and professionally while having a career with purpose and impact. Hexas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply

To apply to this position, please send your resume and cover letter/email to jobs@hexas.com.

This is a W-2 position.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tumwater, WA 98501