Culture Operations Inoculation Technician

Monterey Mushrooms, LLC; San Juan Bautista (CA); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Job summary

Monterey Mushrooms, LLC in San Juan Bautista, CA is looking for a Culture Operations Inoculation Technician. This full-time role involves supporting mushroom culture production and management of inoculation materials.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented with a high school diploma and knowledge of sterile techniques. Responsibilities include preparing media, conducting quality tests, and maintaining accurate records while working primarily in a laboratory and production environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and clean‑room procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and aptitude for highly detailed work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare various types of media to support mushroom strains growth.
• Conduct sterility certification for all inoculation products.
• Assist with packing and shipping inoculation products.

Skills

Knowledge of sterile techniques

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Basic computer skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

pH meters

Moisture analyzers

Autoclaves

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Job Title: Culture Operations Inoculation Technician

Reporting To: Culture Operations Supervisor

Location: San Juan Bautista, CA

Schedule: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: Hourly Rate $18.00 per hour

Why This Role Matters

The Culture Operations Inoculation Technician plays a critical role in supporting Amycel's culture production and strain certification programs. This position is responsible for producing, testing, tracking, and maintaining inoculation materials used throughout research, development, and production operations.

What You’ll Own

Culture Production & Inoculation

• Prepare various types of media to support growth requirements of different mushroom strains.
• Inoculate and shake grain bags used for strain certification activities.
• Assist with pouch inoculation, incubation, cool‑down processes, and production scheduling.
• Perform pouch selection activities for inoculum production.
• Prepare and autoclave milo pouches for nutraceutical production.
• Routinely monitor inventory and remove outdated materials as needed.

Quality Assurance & Testing

• Conduct sterility certification plating for all inoculation products.
• Assist with reading sterility plates and collecting quality data.
• Perform pH and moisture analyses for inoculation and spawn substrates.
• Support BIPS batch certification and maintain records for PCR testing activities.
• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with quality standards.

Inventory & Production Support

• Assist with packing and shipping inoculation products to Amycel facilities.
• Coordinate certification mini‑bag deliveries to ITF.
• Conduct monthly inventories of laboratory materials and supplies.
• Perform pouch inventory reconciliations and maintain inventory accuracy within JDE.
• Create, transfer, and close production work orders in JDE.

Data Management & Documentation

• Maintain culture maintenance databases using JDE and Access‑based systems.
• Enter inoculation production information on a daily basis.
• Generate reports and production records as requested.
• Maintain accurate documentation and recordkeeping practices.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Perform routine laboratory sanitation and clean‑up activities.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and clean‑room procedures.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to laboratory operations and efficiency.

What's The Right Fit

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and clean‑room procedures.
• Understanding of long‑term culture storage methods.
• Knowledge of growth parameters for production strains and inoculation substrates.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and data entry.
• Strong attention to detail and aptitude for highly detailed work.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.

Desired

• Experience with JDE and Access database systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Previous laboratory, microbiology, biotechnology, agricultural, or mushroom industry experience.
• Knowledge of culture maintenance and inoculation production processes.

Technical Skills & Equipment

• pH meters
• Moisture analyzers
• Oxygen monitors
• Temperature and humidity data loggers
• Laboratory balances
• Autoclaves
• Laminar flow units
• Culture refrigerators and incubators
• Bunsen burners
• Standard laboratory glassware and testing equipment
• Microsoft Office applications and database systems

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking while performing laboratory and production duties.
• Frequent sitting while performing data entry and documentation tasks.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of boxes, supplies, and production materials.
• Occasional reaching, stretching, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.
• Frequent to continuous use of hands and fingers for laboratory procedures and computer work.
• Ability to maintain visual focus for detailed laboratory work and computer‑based tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively and perceive normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Work Environment

This position works primarily within Amycel's clean room, laboratory, substrate mixing, and production environments. The role also requires work within a general office setting and may occasionally involve exposure to varying temperatures, outdoor weather conditions, production equipment, dust, and other environmental conditions typical of laboratory and manufacturing operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, dust masks, gloves, safety footwear, and other required safety equipment, must be worn as required by company policies and operational needs.