Position: Senior Greenhouse Facilities & Systems Engineer
Location: Watsonville, CA
Type: Full-time
Position Summary
The Senior Greenhouse Facilities & Systems Engineer is responsible for the technical design, maximum uptime, and continuous maintenance of Ohalo's Watsonville / Aptos Greenhouse and Lab infrastructure. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on maintenance and high-level systems engineering.
We are looking for a "builder-operator"—someone who can diagnose a chiller failure, optimize automated HVAC logic, model a custom component in CAD, and 3D-print a prototype replacement part. While the primary focus of this role is engineering and facility operational excellence, experience with or a willingness to support site Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) compliance is a highly valued plus.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Engineering, Fabrication & Maintenance
- Oversee the day-to-day operation and preventive/corrective maintenance of all site infrastructure: greenhouse structures, HVAC, irrigation and fertigation systems, electrical, plumbing, lighting, controls, and utilities.
- Develop and manage a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or equivalent tracking process for work orders, asset history, and planned maintenance schedules.
- Partner with greenhouse operations and research teams to plan and execute facility modifications that support evolving science programs.
- Maintain all facility systems in compliance with applicable building codes, agricultural regulations, and Ohalo's operational standards.
- Manage relationships with third-party service providers, equipment vendors, and construction contractors; negotiate contracts and ensure quality of work.
Technical Compliance & Safety Support
- Collaborate with greenhouse operations, plant science, and supply chain teams to ensure facilities support research timelines and production schedules.
- Develop and manage site security systems (access control, surveillance, perimeter security) appropriate for an agricultural R&D environment.
- Oversee facilities-related aspects of hygiene, pest and disease prevention, including structural exclusion measures and environmental monitoring systems.
- Support sustainability initiatives including water recapture, energy efficiency, and waste reduction programs.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small in-house facilities and maintenance technician team; define roles, set performance goals, and manage staffing needs.
- Assist with site safety inspections, coordinate facilities-related emergency planning (fire suppression, backup power), and ensure proper chemical storage containment.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or related), Environmental Health & Safety, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of experience managing complex facility infrastructure, with a proven track record in heavy mechanical/electrical systems (HVAC, chillers, commercial electrical distribution, environmental control systems, automation).
- Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion360) and hands-on experience with 3D printing/rapid prototyping techniques.
- Experience overseeing third-party specialized technicians, mechanical contractors, and service vendors.
- Proficiency with maintenance management systems and standard business software (MS Office / Google Workspace).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical and safety information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred
- EHS & Cal/OSHA Knowledge: Direct experience owning or heavily supporting EHS programs in a California-based agricultural, biotech, or manufacturing setting. Working knowledge of Cal/OSHA Title 8 standards.
- Demonstrated experience managing contractors, reviewing construction scopes, and controlling project budgets.
- Familiarity with California agricultural pesticide use reporting, Pesticide Use Permits (PUP), and Worker Protection Standard (WPS).
- Experience in a startup or fast-scaling environment where processes are built from the ground up.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred given workforce composition).
Below is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications. This range is for the Watsonville, CA location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.
Anticipated compensation: $90,000 - $115,000 a year
About Ohalo:
Ohalo™ aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.
Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.
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