Lead Cultivation Associate - Nursery

Title: Lead Cultivation Associate
Pay Rate: $20.00 - 22.50/hr
Location: Biddeford, ME
Job Type: Full Time | Non-Exempt
Shift: Monday - Friday | 7:30am - 4:00pm

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Cultivation Associate is responsible for leading a team of hourly employees in vegetative garden cultivation operations with a continuous focus on compliance, safety accountability, product integrity, team productivity and cost.  Support additional department operations, which include but are not limited to mother plant care, cloning, inventory control and supporting the flower garden as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of Cultivation Associates in the performance of cultivation tasks such as watering, feeding, defoliating, transplanting, organizing, cleaning cultivation spaces and operator-level maintenance in the vegetative garden space.

• Co-lead and support additional department functions such as sanitation, room preparation, mother plant care, cloning, etc.

• Care for cannabis plants via transplanting, pruning and fertilizing with oversight from Cultivation management.

• Lead and pace the team to ensure adherence to the grow plan and schedule.

• Ensure product integrity; making sure plant quality is maintained while being cloned, grown and harvested.

• Safely handle and apply sanitizing, foliar and preventative chemical sprays.

• Perform daily audits of garden rooms to maintain optimal growing conditions.

• Monitor/report problems with lighting, HVAC, CO2, irrigation and air flow systems.

• Monitor humidity/temperature levels and report readings that are out of tolerance.

• Perform pest inspection and mitigation activities to prevent/remediate mold, powdery mildew, spider mites, root aphids, fungus gnats, etc.

• Maintain the correct plant structure and level of foliage to allow for proper airflow and light penetration by removing leaves strategically per schedule.

• Measure and dispose of plant waste in accordance with state regulations.

• Support department core metrics (quantity, quality, and productivity objectives).

• Measure planned versus actual performance on an hourly cadence.

• Utilize and maintain production data files, records, and reports such as the Daily Hour-by-Hour Tracker, load plans, grow schedules, and plant inventory.

• Support tracking and recordkeeping functions with the state seed-to-sale e-system MJ Freeway remaining in compliance with DOH rules and regulations.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) for all operations, ensuring adherence to company and regulatory compliance (proper weighing, data recording, product tracking, security, green waste disposal, etc.

• Train and coach team members in accordance with SOP.

• Remain engaged with department continuous improvement and occupational safety initiatives such as the 5S program and Hazard Communication.

• Hold self and others accountable at all times.

• Assist management with cultivation scheduling and resource planning (labor, consumables) daily/weekly/monthly.

• Support the 5S program and Sanitation Schedules. Serve as a team champion for sanitation and bio-security.

• Pass on key communications from management and keep the team informed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1-year relevant experience with team leadership

• One year of relevant experience in team leadership within a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting (e.g., growing, harvesting, etc.) is preferred.

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to precision and accuracy.

• Proven work ethic, with a focus on productivity and quality.

• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new operational processes and techniques.

• Knowledge of basic weight and measurement concepts; skilled in operating various scales and meters.

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks efficiently.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in sensitive work situations.

• Exceptional focus and attention to detail in all tasks and activities.

• Clear and calm communicator, able to handle difficult situations with professionalism.

• Proficient in using computers, web browsers, and Google Apps.

• Ability to remain composed and effective during periods of high stress or unusual activity.

• Demonstrated reliability and honesty, with a strong sense of integrity and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience in a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting preferred (growing, harvesting, etc.).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time (8-10 hours per shift)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance
• Frequent and repetitive use of hands and wrists for extended periods of time
• Repetitive bending, squatting, and reaching
• Ability to climb ladders or step stools to access plants or equipment
• Ability to use required PPE when required, such as masks, hair nets, beard covers, respirators, boot covers, scrubs, non-slip shoes, and Tyvek suits as necessary

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to environments with high humidity, varying temperatures, and strong odors (such as cannabis)
• Exposure to soil, water, fertilizer, dust, pollen and plant pathogens
• Exposure to cleaning solvents, such as high volumes of isopropyl alcohol
• 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