Cannabis Lab Lead

The Laboratory Lead fulfills the same job requirements as the Extraction Technician in that they use laboratory equipment to refine and extract cannabis materials in order to create distillates for recreational and medical sale. This position must adhere to all Company safety policies and procedures in addition to state regulations for recordkeeping, inventory, and waste disposal. The Laboratory Lead is also responsible for providing leadership and support to the rest of the team.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Prepares equipment (extraction, solvent reclamation, crude extract refinement, and purification) for processing by using equipment to extract and refine cannabis materials in accordance with Company brand standards, policies, and procedures
• Provides oversight and supervision to Extraction Technicians; uses best judgement to make decisions regarding lab procedures when Laboratory Manager is not present
• Prepares plant materials for extraction by grinding flower and stuffing socks; fills out all paperwork associated with the flower in use
• Performs inventory control actions including weighing, labeling, packaging, and product logging, recording all measurable data, in accordance with state regulations and company policies and procedures
• Performs regular cleaning and maintenance of equipment in accordance with equipment instructions and Company procedures; maintains an immaculate laboratory environment to maintain proper safety and compliance; properly disposes of and catalogs waste in order to state regulations
• Provides training to new employees through shadowing
• Ensures all Extraction Technicians are properly and safely carrying both empty and loaded extraction columns, vessels, and solvent and water containers
• Maintains maintenance log by keeping up to date and ensuring that extra parts are stocked in the facility
• Builds and maintains working relationships with manufacturers of equipment
• Keeps safety in mind at all times and communicates potential hazards in the workplace to the Laboratory Manager

Qualifications & Skills

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a science discipline (biology, chemistry, or chemical engineering, etc.) preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel especially, required
• Ability to multitask and handle demands from multiple people
• Ability to ask the right questions and hold others accountable
• Must be detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to clearly and articulately provide instructions to Extraction Technicians
• Ability to problem-solve and use judgement and discretion
• Previous leadership experience preferred; ability to support and motivate a team
• Ability to troubleshoot machinery and perform basic maintenance highly preferred
• Must have a reliable form of transportation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for a full, eight-hour shift
• Fine motor skills and ability to use hands and fingers to precisely and accurately operate machinery
• Close visual acuity in order to read fine print on labels and equipment screens

Workplace Environment

• Consistent moderate background noise level due to HVAC and machinery
• Exposure to plant particulate matter, to which some individuals may be allergic, whether through inhalation or skin contact (PPE provided)
• Exposure to cannabis odor
• Exposure to flammable and corrosive compounds (PPE provided)
• Generally working in confined space without natural light