Head Grower - Mushrooms

Hedgehog is an organic specialty mushroom producer pioneering innovative cultivation methods. As we expand operations to a second farm in Peach County, Georgia, we are seeking a Head Grower to lead production of multiple mushroom species. This role represents a unique opportunity to help establish the new farmʼs production processes and team, build equity ownership in the operation, and enable the delivery of specialty mushrooms to customers across the Eastern United States.

Responsibilities

• Meet yield and quality targets for multiple varieties of specialty mushrooms including Oyster, Trumpet, Pioppino, and Shiitake
• Manage substrate production including material sourcing, recipe formulation, and pasteurization
• Train and supervise production teams across substrate production, inoculation, growing, and harvesting
• Monitor for contamination and disease, work to identify root causes, and take corrective actions to maintain yields and quality
• Oversee maintenance of production equipment to ensure optimal functionality and reliability
• Integrate insights from the Research team to implement findings to increase yields
• Work closely with Operations and Sales teams to match production plans with customer demand

Characteristics

• Deeply passionate about mushrooms and mycological theory. Committed to producing crops at the highest standard
• Eager to champion innovative production techniques, drawing both on past cultivation experience and new research insights
• Driven by data and first principles, with focus on results and continuous improvement. Open-minded, flexible, and excited about doing things in new ways
• Excellent manager and effective teacher, with a desire to share knowledge with farm staff
• Ambitious and excited to play a fundamental role in the expansion of Hedgehogʼs operations

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience working at mushrooms farms producing 20,000 lbs/week (agaricus or specialty), with at least 5 years as a Grower and 2 years as a Head Grower
• Bachelorʼs degree in agriculture-related or STEM fields is preferred. Masterʼs degree is a plus
• Mechanical proficiency with the ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of machinery related to the production process is a plus
• Comfort using productivity software and spreadsheets for tracking production and managing operations
• Willing to relocate to Peach County, GA
• Preferred experience: Cultivation of multiple mushroom species; Spawn production; Management of harvesting teams; Proficiency in Spanish; Familiarity with food and worker safety practices

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $140,000-$170,000 plus benefits. Starting compensation will be set within the range based on experience and other qualifications. The Head Grower will have the option to split annual compensation between cash and equity as an opportunity to build ownership in the company.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• mushroom production: 5 years (Required)
• Head Grower: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Macon, GA 31221 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Macon, GA 31221: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $140,000 - $170,000