Careers in Sustainability
This position is supported through the Careers in Sustainability program, a joint initiative of the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub and IGNITE. Wage subsidies are available for candidates who are unemployed, getting less than full-time hours, or are getting full-time hours in a low-wage or precarious position. Email ryan.duff@bioapplied.com if you're unsure of your eligibility, or visit www.careersinsustainability.ca to learn more.
Plant Operator Position Description
Oberland Agriscience: Halifax NS
Oberland Agriscience is a sustainable black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) farm in Halifax, NS. We are focused
on closing the food loop in our region and making a positive contribution to our planet. Oberland’s high
performing team rears BSFL in our zero-waste facility and delivers exceptional productivity per hectare
yielding a nutrient rich, low environmental impact protein. Partnering with local food producers and
distributors, Oberland upcycles organic by-products such as spent grains from your favourite craft
brewery to grow BSFL on an industrial scale. Oberland continues to play a role in a more sustainable
circular economy in our region. Oberland generates high quality sustainable protein from larvae and an
insect derived fertilizer product for home gardens and agricultural lands.
We are in the process of building a new, 100,000 square-foot production facility here in Halifax, and are
looking for committed and engaged Plant Operators for all areas of our facility to contribute to the safe
and reliable operation of this unique and cutting-edge farm and production facility.
What Oberland Offers You:
• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive health plan benefits package (upon completion of probationary period)
• Participation in company bonus programs (e.g. stock option plan)
• A company that works hard (technology and improvement) to make the daily tasks lighter and
more people-friendly
Functional Responsibilities / Job Duties:
• Rearing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae using our proprietary technology and equipment adhering
to our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Efficient operation and monitoring of industrial processing equipment to ensure the products
meet company quality standards
• Bagging, storing and organization of finished product and inventory
• Receiving and offloading organics deliveries
• Strict adherence to health and safety policies
• Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when completing duties and
responsibilities
• Conducting quality control sampling and lab work (training provided as necessary)
• Daily cleaning of equipment and production areas to maintain high standards
• Recording production data, shipping records, daily reports, and other necessary data in
adherence with company procedures
• Use of custom computer software to track and organize production
• Light preventative maintenance duties
Qualifications and attributes that will ensure success in the role:
• Strong team player with good interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic
• Fluent in English, with good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a team with minimal supervision
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (MS Outlook and MS Excel)
• Ability to lift loads of up to 20 kg frequently during the day, able to tolerate being on feet
(standing and walking) up to 4 consecutive hours
• Able to use pressure washers, vacuums, and other equipment to complete daily cleaning tasks
• Experience with industrial or farm equipment an asset
• Food manufacturing experience an asset
• Hard worker who enjoys a fast-paced environment and doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty
• Effective multitasker who is well organized, has computer skills and has an interest in biological
processes and technology
• Adept laborer with strong organizational skills
Schedule:
The plant operates 8am to 5pm, 7 days/week
Shifts are 8 hours, 5 days/week, including two paid 15 min breaks and one unpaid 30 min break. All
schedules include shifts on Saturday, Sunday or both. Schedules are subject to change with advanced
notice.
Job Type: Full-time, permanent following 3-month probation
Selected candidates will be called and scheduled for an interview.