Z Space Blog

It occurred to me recently that I operate my own website, which is a distinct advantage when platforms like Indeed try to silence legitimate and truthful communication from users. Owning your publishing medium gives you a freedom that most others on the Internet don't have. Someone in such a position can communicate freely, without interference from those who would be embarrassed by their communication. There are no voting, reporting, or comment systems that can make their pages disappear.

I already review video games and books on this blog, in addition to my other content; why shouldn't I review employers and businesses I've interacted with? Reputation is a key ingredient to a successful business, and every person has a voice. It's time to use mine. Businesses are not so special that they are immune to the mechanics of sociology.

Mountain Shadow Nursery is a plant tissue culture facility in Littlerock, WA, specializing in propagation/cloning and research.

Here's the review, copy-pasted verbatim as I posted to Indeed. But first, the verdict:

I do not recommend working for this firm, or doing business with them if you are in the agriculture industry.

The work is basically cutting plants in a particular way and moving them to another vessel, in another particular way. The processes require multiple documentation steps along the way, most of which are manual. So when you're not actively processing plant material, you'll be fumbling around with stickers you write on by hand, and an inventory system that belongs in a kindergarten. The firm is behind on the benefits of automation for their core business, and processes change too often for workers to gain true mastery of each new way to do things. This results in an almost ad-hoc way of running the business. That approach works for some. To me it appeared as if people were playing things by ear and didn't actually have a clue.

One could look past this most of the time, but the ergonomics are not suited for people with large frames. The stations you sit at are designed for people with smaller frames. Taller women and just about any man will have issues fitting into the tight stations.

In addition, the majority of the staff (90%+) are female. I saw one other man working among the women in transferring, and didn't see another man even coming through for an interview during my time there. I suspect I and the other man were token hires to avoid scrutiny.

This job has the potential to be rewarding, streamlined, and efficient for all parties. It also has potential to be a positive place for workers, if diversity were appreciated in practice rather than in word.

One good thing I will indicate is that they will try to work with you on some things; particularly anything that keeps you producing. But realistically, don't apply unless you're okay with squeezing tweezers or cutting with scissors 4000+ times a day. If you get hurt on the job, they'll push you out the door and look for the next person's hands to wear out. Typical for agricultural outfits, I guess. There are better places to work.

Just a gentle reminder to employers who think they can control the narrative on their business: People will spread the word about their experiences at your firm. Some of them operate their own websites and are not subject to your influence online. It's not wise to assume you can walk on someone without consequence, or assume their skill level in navigating communication networks.

Indeed.com can do better by communicating which aspects of the review they disagree with. The rejection included no language on what was wrong with it, but encouraged me to re-submit, which is lazy and flippant design meant to waste the reviewer's time. Stifling the voice of workers is despicable for a company who purports to court both workers and employers. Do better.