Lead Cultivation Associate

Summary: The Cultivation Lead position provides leadership for plant activities and operations of the Cultivation Department while abiding by all applicable policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. This position is generally responsible for the day-to-day duties needed to maintain our perpetual cycle for plant production. This includes, but is not limited to plant maintenance, training, cloning, transplanting, plant inventory tracking, and inventory scheduling to manage production needs. This position requires working in a fast-paced environment, strong leadership skills, and the ability to effectively interact with members of the team to ensure a positive culture. You will be reporting directly to the Cultivation Manager.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Implement good agricultural practices (GAPs) and follow all GMPs and Facility Rules
• Keep good records and follow good documentation practices (GDPs)
• Keep good records of all practices implemented and data collected as pertaining to Lead responsibilities
• Department KPI data collection and entry
• Train all Propagation Technicians and Cultivators on Veg Room SOPs and changes to policy.
• Lead Propagation Technicians and Cultivators through all Veg Room related tasks.
• Assure Cultivation team members are completing Veg Room tasks as outline in SOPs efficiently.
• Assist in all plant care from maintaining mother stock to harvest, including automated and hand watering, cloning, propagation, pheno hunting, transplanting, pruning, topping, defoliating, trellising, and harvesting
• Typical daily work tasks required include (but not limited to): pruning, transplanting/moving plants, harvesting, cloning, hand watering, cleaning, IPM tasks, inventory management, etc.

• Monitoring of environmental conditions including, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, VPD, W/M2, etc.
• Gather EC, pH and volume data from the irrigation system in the grow rooms
• Distribute biological control agents (BCAs) as needed
• Apply foliar feeds and preventative and other sprays when directed
• Scouts veg room for pests/disease and document on proper forms
• Operate and maintain cultivation systems/equipment
• Stock cultivation supplies as needed
• Clean, sanitize, and setup all grow rooms
• Maintain and ensure proper storage and sanitation of all tools and equipment, including but not limited to shop vacs, pumps, hoses, carts, scissors, stools, totes, gloves, rags, and PPE gear
• Conduct trials to evaluate possible improvements to the crop
• Perform regular audits as required
• Perform any other job-related tasks assigned by management

Compliance

• Work with compliance team to draft forms/processes to maintain departmental compliance
• Ensure Cultivation operation is fully compliant with state regulations and federal and state law.
• Assure that all operations adhere to business and industry license requirements.
• Maintaining strict inventory records of all plant materials, chemicals and equipment used in grow and documenting production by completing forms, reports, logs, and records as required.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass a national background check per state cannabis regulations
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate required
• Adaptable/flexible and able to work in an ever-changing environment
• Passion for growing plants in a rapidly growing industry!
• Previous agriculture or manufacturing experience preferred but not required
• Ability to work independently throughout a workday with given directive
• Work with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Work with Leaf Logix and other inventory management software systems

Physical Requirements

• Focus on a physical task for a long period of time without losing edge
• Manual dexterity; enough to reach/handle items, work with fingers
• Standing for extended periods is common
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents

Facility Environment

• Allergen warnings - Potential exposure to dust, pollen, and plant pathogens.
• Exposure to cleaning solvents, such as high volumes of isopropyl alcohol
• All jobs require daily use of provided PPE, such as masks, hair nets, beard covers, respirators, boot covers, scrubs, non-slip shoes, and Tyvek suits as necessary
• Exposure to loud noises, including but not limited to air compressors, packaging equipment, and alarms.
• Exposure to CO2 manufacturing procedures at OSHA approved CO2 levels
• High stress tolerance, adaptable, ability to work in an ever-changing environment, flexible