Job Profile: Cannabis Cultivation Technician
A Cannabis Cultivation Technician is a skilled professional responsible for the hands-on care and maintenance of cannabis plants throughout their life cycle, from seed to harvest. This role is crucial to the cannabis production process, ensuring the healthy growth and development of cannabis plants, ultimately contributing to the production of high-quality cannabis products.
Table of Contents
What is a Cannabis Cultivation Technician?
In essence, a Cannabis Cultivation Technician is responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance of cannabis plants, ensuring their healthy growth and contributing to the overall success of the cultivation operation.
A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for plants are essential for success in this role. The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, so continuous learning and professional development are crucial.
What Does a Cannabis Cultivation Technician Do?
Overall, a Cannabis Cultivation Technician is a critical team role the cultivation process. The specific responsibilities may vary depending on the size and structure of the cannabis cultivation operation. Below are some common criteria in a cannabis cultivation technician job description.
Plant Care & Maintenance:
- Planting and Propagation: This involves germinating seeds, cloning plants, and transplanting seedlings properly.
- Watering and Feeding: It is essential to provide plants with the appropriate nutrients and water according to their growth stage
- Pruning and Training: Shaping plants to optimize growth and yield can include techniques like trimming, topping, or lollipopping.
- Environmental Control: Monitoring and adjusting ecological factors like temperature, humidity, and light is crucial for ensuring optimal growing conditions.
- Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspecting plants for signs of pests or diseases and implementing necessary control measures is important for plant health.
Cultivation Facility Maintenance:
- Cleaning and Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and organized work environment to prevent contamination and ensure plant health.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring cultivation equipment is properly maintained and functioning correctly.
Record Keeping and Compliance:
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of plant activities, including planting, feeding, and harvesting.
- Compliance: Following all state regulations and company standard operating procedures related to cannabis cultivation.
Other Responsibilities:
- Harvesting: Assisting with harvesting, which may include cutting down plants and preparing them for drying and curing.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with other cultivation team members and following instructions from the cultivation lead or manager.
How Do You Become a Cannabis Cultivation Technician?
Becoming a Cannabis Cultivation Technician typically involves a combination of education, experience, and specific skills related to cannabis cultivation and management.
Education & Training
While formal education is not always required, obtaining a degree or certificate in horticulture, botany, agriculture, or a related field can greatly benefit a career in cannabis cultivation. Most companies want employees with a high school diploma, but requirements vary. A bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticulture, agriculture or related field is preferred for individuals who plan to move into management roles in cultivation.
Cannabis cultivation programs and certificate courses provide specialized knowledge in areas such as cannabis botany, genetics, growing cycles, and best practices. Institutions like the GF Institute and Green Flower offer courses specifically focused on cannabis cultivation. Additionally, there are numerous online courses available that cover topics such as cannabis cultivation and pest management.
Gain Practical Experience
To gain experience, look for internships or entry-level positions at licensed cannabis cultivation facilities, greenhouses, or nurseries. Gaining hands-on experience in these settings will immerse you in the field and offer valuable insights into the daily operations of a cannabis grower.
If allowed in your area and in compliance with local laws, you can also gain valuable experience by growing cannabis at home. This provides an opportunity to understand the plant’s needs and various cultivation techniques. However, it’s essential to ensure that you are operating within the legal boundaries.
Key Skills for a Cannabis Cultivation Technician:
- Horticultural Skills: Develop a strong understanding of plant biology, soil science, nutrient management, and pest control.
- Cannabis-Specific Skills: Learn about various cannabis strains, their genetics, cloning techniques, harvesting methods, curing processes, and other cultivation-related practices.
- Attention to Detail: Successful cultivation requires careful observation and thorough record-keeping to monitor plant health, identify potential issues, and ensure consistent quality.
- Compliance and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the cannabis regulations and compliance standards in your area to ensure proper handling and cultivation practices.
- Physical Requirements: Cultivation technician positions are very active and require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching all day.
Networking and Job Search
Networking is essential in the cannabis industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals to become part of the community and learn about job opportunities.
When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, demonstrating your passion for cannabis cultivation. Once you secure an interview, practice answering common questions such as, “What experience do you have with different cannabis strains?” or “How do you ensure compliance with cannabis regulations in your work?” Additionally, research the companies to which you are applying.
Licensing and Background Checks
Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a license or permit for cannabis cultivation work. This process may involve background checks and specific training requirements, which vary according to local and state regulations.
How Much Does a Cannabis Cultivation Technician Make?
Entry-level salaries for Cultivation Technicians can vary, but have the potential to increase with experience and specialization. The Cannabis Cultivation Technician salary can vary depending on the state where you work and the company you work for. According to the CannabizTeam Salary Guide, the salary for this role ranges from $25,900 to $32,100 per year.
| Year | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $25,900 | $27,450 | $29,000 |
| 2024 | $25,400 | $28,750 | $32,100 |
2024 CannabizTeam Guide for a cannabis cultivation technician salary
The closest related job in the BLS is an Agricultural science technician, who studies ways to increase the productivity of crops. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for agricultural technicians was $46,790 in May 2024. And the salary range was from $32,860 to $69,010. The salary of a cannabis cultivation technician also varies depending on factors such as location and the specific company or organization.
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| BLS | $46,790 | $32,860 to $69,010 |
Larger and more established cannabis operations in states with legalized cannabis may offer higher salaries, especially if they require significant experience and expertise in cultivation management.
Related: