Company description

Liberty Farms is a 600+ acre NOFA-NY certified organic farm with a focus on diverse and regenerative agriculture and healthy communities in the Hudson Valley. Our 12-acre vegetable and flower garden is supported by a quickly-growing CSA and several local and NYC farmers’ markets. Elsewhere on the farm, we also raise chickens, pigs, cattle, and sheep, and are home to a world-class equestrian center.

Job description

Liberty Farms is looking for an experienced Mushroom Farmer to head up and expand our fledgling mushroom operation. In 2021 we constructed “low tech” indoor mushroom grow rooms and began experimenting with growing oyster mushrooms on a straw and coffee grounds substrate in plastic grow bags, with success. We have also experimented with inoculating shiitake logs, and are looking forward to continued experimentation with all of the above and more in 2022.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the Garden Manager, the Mushroom Farmer would be responsible for all things fungi-related, including but not limited to: tracking and ordering strains according to seasonality; securing and preparing appropriate substrate mixtures; prepping and stuffing grow bags; surveying the grow process including adjusting humidifiers/AC/etc. as necessary; harvesting mushrooms; packing and preparing mushrooms for market; and more, as needed.

Our mushroom operation is still in its infancy, so this is an exciting opportunity for a creative mycologist with some experience to take the lead and experiment with ways to expand it. However, we recognize that all growing operations are different, and all climates require different kinds of attention. Liberty Farms’ previous Mushroom Farmer would be happy to walk the right candidate through her process to help get them acquainted with our current growing methods, if desired.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate would have a few years of prior experience in commercial organic mushroom growing, particularly in sterile grow rooms. Other experience and prior skills greatly appreciated include:

• Organic or biodynamic vegetable farming and an interest in learning more about organic vegetable growing practices;
• High quality control standards;
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive farm delivery vehicles within NYC and the Hudson Valley;
• Reliable transportation to and from the farm;
• An ability to think critically and independently and follow directions;
• Excellent communication skills;
• An ability to work well with others and with a strong work ethic. A sense of humor is always helpful!
• The ability to lift 50 pounds;
• Spanish speaking is a plus.

This position is part-time beginning in March and going through November. Additional hours are available in the form of helping with other non fungi-related farm and garden tasks, making this a full-time position, if desired. Compensation is $16/hour, plus all the organic vegetables you can stand and weekly organic farm eggs (when available). Housing may also be available if required.
 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline