Mushroom Farm Assistant – West Melton, Canterbury

The opportunity:

Be a part of a unique agricultural business experiencing rapid growth. You will be exposed to many parts of the farm operation as you will be directly working with the business owner in an assistant role. There is opportunity to increase hours for the right person, as the business continues to expand its customer base. This may be a desirable position for a university student specialising in agriculture/horticulture, or someone who has a general interest in this field.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who has the flexibility to work 2-3 days at approximately 12-16 hours per week (Monday-Friday). You must be physically fit, as you will be required to lift up to 25kgs at a time, and perform ongoing physical tasks throughout the day. You will be mainly working alongside the business owner and assisting with a wide range of farm tasks including but not limited to:

• preparing and inoculating mushroom substrates
• monitoring, growing, harvesting and packaging mushrooms
• cleaning (i.e mopping floors) and general maintenance duties
• orchard related tasks in an outdoor setting

We are wanting someone who has the competence to work autonomously and solely run the farm operation for short periods if required. As the business owner runs a popular YouTube channel educating mushroom growers (search Oak and Spore on YouTube), you need to be comfortable knowing that you may be filmed in the background for these videos and may from time to time be required to assist with filming tasks.

Good banter and an interest in horticulture/mycology is a bonus, but not a requirement.

Full drivers’ licence and ability to drive manual vehicle is desired, also not a requirement.

• Shortlisted applicants will have an opportunity to spend some time at the farm during the interview process.
• The successful applicant will start on a trial period.