Dragon Tamer (aka Pilot Equipment Operator)
Job description
ABOUT US
Takachar helps reduce the impacts of climate change. We have created a small-scale, low-cost, portable machine that can be loaded into the back of tractors and deployed to farms turning crop waste into sellable bioproducts like fuel and fertilizer. Our innovative cost-effective system broadens smallholder farmers' livelihood and business prospects with the generation of additional income through selling these on-demand bioproducts on the market.
The impact? Income and job creation in rural areas, mitigation of CO2 emission and air pollution as well as improved vegetation management mitigating the risks of catastrophic wildfires.
We have been recognized for our work through awards such as Elon Musk’s XPRIZE Carbon Removal, Prince William’s inaugural Earthshot Prize, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Fellowship, and the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2020.
We are seeking a Project Engineer (aka Dragon Tamer) to work alongside our Engineers in the testing and deployment of our hardware prototype.
ABOUT YOU
You are a friendly and hardworking team player who is eager to take on new challenges with a background in mechanical/electrical engineering. With a strong mechanical aptitude, you enjoy a hands-on, highly dynamic role in a fast paced environment that keeps you physically active and gets you outdoors (not stuck behind a desk 40 hours a week). You are willing and able to commute daily from our project site on a farm near Salmon Arm, BC (it has no access to public transportation). You don't object to potentially working in shifts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operating the equipment safely and continuously for a few hours a day under different operating conditions
- Collecting data for remote analysis by our analysts and carbon credit monitoring and verification
- Arranging a steady supply of different types of biomass to ship for our testing
- Expect the unexpected! When the machine breaks, work with our supervisor to devise and implement the most efficient fixes to get the equipment back up and running
- Leading a team of co-op students and interns to operate the prototype efficiently and safely
PREFERENCES
● A full-privilege driver’s licence
● We are located on a farm around 20 minutes’ drive from Salmon Arm, without access to public transportation. While carpooling may be possible, it would make everyone’s life tremendously easier if you have your own car and can commute to/from the jobsite independently.
● Prior experience with hardware operations and logistics, especially fieldwork (e.g. landscaping, forestry, gardening, camping, etc.). This is not a typical indoor office or laboratory role. You will be based primarily outdoors with the equipment, braving the sun, rain, wind, and fog, in areas with no or limited cellphone signal. Think forestry- and agriculture-related roles in the field as examples of the conditions you will face.
● Detail and safety oriented
● Prior experience with machine/power tools (e.g. various drills, saws, lathes, etc.)
● Prior experience operating heavy equipment such as small excavators and loaders
● Comfortable working with basic metal fabrication equipment and techniques, including: Cutting, rolling, bending, and (optionally) welding.
● Ability to advise and brainstorm with the team on the best and/or fastest fabrication solution to achieve a certain goal.
● Committed to Inclusivity. We work with many disadvantaged communities such as First Nations; ability to engage well, learn, and listen to these communities is critical.
● Prior experience with electronics (e.g. certified electrician)
BENEFITS
In addition to our agile and curiosity-driven culture we provide
● Competitive salary ($25-35/hour range depending on experience)
● Professional learning and development opportunities, and personalized career coaching
● User-centric training in working with rural, marginalized communities
TO APPLY
Please send your resume and cover letter to info at takachar dot com