The Mushroom Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the farm, particularly focused on the inoculation, growth, and harvesting of mushrooms. The role includes ensuring proper environmental conditions, monitoring production cycles, identifying and mitigating contamination, and directing the harvest process. The manager will coordinate with other departments to ensure a smooth workflow and high-quality production of edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Key Responsibilities

Inoculation & Substrate Preparation:

• Oversee the inoculation of mushroom bags with the appropriate spawn in accordance with farm protocols.
• Ensure proper substrate preparation, including the right moisture and sterilization process.
• Maintain accurate records of inoculation dates and spawn types used for each batch.

Monitoring the Production Cycle:

• Regularly inspect bags in incubation for proper colonization, ensuring that environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) are optimized for mycelium growth.
• Track the progress of various mushroom species in their respective growth cycles (e.g., Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, etc.).
• Adjust environmental conditions as necessary to prevent contamination and promote growth.

Contamination Management:

• Conduct routine checks for contamination signs such as mold, bacteria, or foreign growth.
• Implement corrective measures such as discarding contaminated bags and adjusting protocols to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain a clean and sterile working environment, adhering to food safety standards.

Harvesting & Moving Bags:

• Identify when mushrooms are ready for harvest based on visual cues such as size, color, and cap shape.
• Oversee the proper harvesting techniques to ensure mushrooms are picked at their peak.
• Manage the movement of bags from the incubation room to the fruiting room, ensuring proper timing and conditions.
• Coordinate with the packaging team to ensure harvested mushrooms are properly processed and stored.

Quality Control:

• Ensure the overall quality of the mushrooms produced, including monitoring for consistency in size, appearance, and freshness.
• Work with the packaging team to maintain quality standards for fresh and dried products.
• Implement and uphold safety standards in the handling and processing of mushrooms.

Staff Supervision and Training:

• Supervise farm workers, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and according to established procedures.
• Provide training for staff on best practices for inoculation, monitoring growth, contamination control, and harvesting.
• Ensure that safety protocols are adhered to by all team members.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain detailed records of production cycles, harvest schedules, and any issues that arise, including contamination.
• Provide regular updates on farm operations to senior management, highlighting any challenges or areas for improvement.

Farm Maintenance:

• Oversee maintenance of the grow rooms, ensuring that humidity, temperature, and ventilation systems are functioning correctly.
• Report any equipment malfunctions and coordinate with the maintenance team for repairs.