What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquaponic Research Technician position at Grand Frontier Farms?
Benefits: Health, dental and vision covered in full for employees
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an Aquaponic Research Technician to join our team and help push the boundaries of sustainable food production through the development of modern aquaponic systems. This role is ideal for someone with a research background and hands-on experience in vertical farming, aquaponics, or hydroponics within an academic, research, and / or experimental setting.
As part of our team, you will be responsible for keeping the farm and research facilities operating, maintained and productive as well as working closely with us to develop, test, and refine novel farming techniques and system designs. This work will span plant science, water chemistry, microbiology, and system engineering as well as the development and testing of a variety of prototype and production systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Farm Operations & Research Facilities Management
- Perform daily farm operations, including planting, monitoring, cleaning, maintenance, harvesting, packaging, and distributing produce through our farmstand and research channels.
- Monitor and manage water chemistry, microbial health, and environmental conditions.
- Provide fish care and system maintenance across our research aquaponics systems.
- Work with our engineering team to operate and maintain 3D printers and sensor systems for prototyping and system improvements.
2. Experiment Research & Development
- Design and execute experiments related to system optimization, water quality, plant health, and nutrient dynamics.
- Collect, analyze, and document data to drive improvements in farm efficiency and crop yields.
- Contribute to open-source documentation of research findings.
3. Innovation & Collaboration
- Work alongside engineers, scientists, and farmers to test and refine new cultivation techniques.
- Assist in general facility maintenance, across plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Document and develop research projects, collaborating with other researchers and stakeholders.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Academic or practical experience in plant science, agronomy, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in aquaponics, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, or vertical farming.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct research, data collection, and experiment design.
- Experience with water quality management, including pH balancing, nutrient monitoring, and microbial analysis.
- Comfortable with basic mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work for farm system maintenance.
- Curiosity and problem-solving mindset—able to think critically and explore creative solutions.
- Passionate about research and comfortable working with a variety of collaborators, both internal and external, on research projects and papers.
- Experience with experiment design, sensor technology, or farm automation is a plus.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, work on step ladders, and engage in physical tasks as needed.