Mushroom Cultivation Technician (Part-Time)

Mushroom Cultivation Technician (Part-Time) Monroe Mushroom Co Rochester, NY Job Details Part-time $18 - $20 an hour 16 hours ago Benefits Employee discount Flexible schedule Qualifications Food production Recipe adherence Sterile processing Kitchen knives Moving Industrial mixers High school diploma or GED Batch records Agriculture Standard operating procedures (SOPs) Full Job Description Who We Are Monroe Mushroom Co. is a Rochester-based gourmet mushroom company specializing in fresh gourmet mushrooms and mushroom-based products, including mushroom coffee, extracts, and teas. As a growing small business, we're committed to producing high-quality products and building a team of people who take pride in their work. Who We're Looking For This is an entry-level position. Previous mushroom cultivation experience is not required —we'll teach you our production process from the ground up. We're looking for someone who is genuinely interested in learning the craft of mushroom cultivation and wants to build practical skills in food production. The right person is curious, dependable, learns quickly, and enjoys improving systems over time. This position requires someone who can work independently for much of the day without constant supervision. Once trained, you'll be trusted to keep production moving, notice when something isn't right, and communicate issues before they become problems.

You should be someone who:

Learns quickly and retains new information. Takes pride in doing things correctly and consistently. Can follow detailed procedures without cutting corners. Is comfortable working alone for extended periods. Is a self-starter who doesn't need constant direction. Has an interest in mushroom cultivation, agriculture, biology, food production, or a related field. Is open to learning established procedures before suggesting improvements. Communicates well and isn't afraid to ask questions when something is unclear. Notices when supplies are running low and keeps inventory organized. Is dependable and shows up when expected. Physical Requirements This is an active manufacturing position.

Applicants should be comfortable:

Lifting up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day. Moving bags of hardwood substrate, buckets of water, and cultivation equipment. Standing for long periods. Working around humidity, moisture, and changing temperatures. Using knives, hand tools, pressure sterilizers, mixers, and other production equipment safely. Working in compact workspaces while maintaining sterile technique. During Training You'll Learn To Prepare and mix mushroom substrate. Operate substrate mixing and sterilization equipment. Perform sterile inoculation procedures using a laminar flow hood. Monitor colonization and recognize contamination. Identify common molds, pests, and production issues. Maintain fruiting chambers and environmental conditions. Harvest gourmet mushrooms. Perform basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs. Track inventory and notify management when supplies need to be reordered. Respond appropriately to unexpected issues, including equipment failures and facility emergencies. Schedule & Growth Opportunity This position starts as part-time (up to 20 hours per week) with flexible scheduling. As Monroe Mushroom Co. continues to grow, we expect this position to grow as well. Our goal is to develop this role into a long-term position with increased hours, responsibility, and compensation for the right person. We're looking for someone who wants to grow alongside the company—not just fill a temporary job. As we expand our production, you'll have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and help shape the future of our cultivation operation.

Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Rochester, NY 14609 (Required)

Work Location:

In person