Production & Operations Associate

Production & Operations Associate

Dark Star | Buffalo, NY | Full-Time | On-Site

Enjoy hands-on work, take pride in the details, and want to help bring great products to life?

Join Dark Star!

Dark Star is a family-owned, women-owned New York cannabis edibles company rooted in more than 80 years of chocolate-making experience. We combine our passion for exceptional chocolate with the care, consistency, and precision required to manufacture regulated cannabis products.

We’re looking for a reliable, detail-oriented Production & Operations Associate to support the day-to-day production, packaging, and fulfillment of our chocolate and gummy products. This is a hands-on role where you’ll help turn ingredients and materials into finished products that are accurately packaged, properly documented, and ready to reach dispensaries across New York.

The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable working with their hands, follows procedures closely, and understands that the little details make a big difference. Previous manufacturing experience is welcome, but we’re happy to train someone with the right attitude and work ethic.

Include but are not limited to

Production

• Assist with the production of chocolate and gummy products according to established procedures and recipes.
• Accurately measure, mix, mold, portion, and handle products with care and consistency.
• Support batching, production documentation, and processes that help ensure accurate product specifications and dosing.
• Set up, clean, and organize production equipment, tools, and workstations.
• Maintain a clean, orderly production area throughout each shift.

Packaging & Quality Checks

• Package finished products according to company standards and applicable compliance requirements.
• Apply labels, batch and lot information, and tamper-evident seals accurately.
• Verify product names, SKUs, batch numbers, expiration dates, and quantities.
• Inspect finished products and packaging for accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Identify and report packaging errors, damaged products, or other quality concerns before products move forward.

Order Fulfillment & Inventory

• Pick, pack, and prepare dispensary orders for shipment or delivery.
• Verify order contents, quantities, and required labeling before orders leave the facility.
• Organize finished goods and packaging materials to support efficient production and fulfillment.
• Assist with inventory counts, restocking, and inventory tracking.
• Help maintain accurate records so materials and finished products can be properly traced.

Operations & Compliance

• Follow applicable New York State cannabis regulations, company procedures, and training requirements.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.
• Complete production, packaging, and inventory records accurately and on time.
• Follow established procedures for handling products, materials, equipment, and work areas.
• Promptly communicate errors, discrepancies, or potential safety and quality issues to management.
• Work collaboratively with the production and operations team to keep daily priorities on track.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• A reliable, punctual, and consistent approach to work.
• Ability to work efficiently without sacrificing accuracy or product quality.
• Comfort with hands-on, repetitive tasks in a production environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical duties of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A team-oriented attitude and willingness to jump in where needed.
• Ability to learn and follow food safety, sanitation, documentation, and regulatory procedures.
• Good organizational skills and pride in keeping a clean, orderly workspace.

Experience in food production, confectionery, manufacturing, packaging, or warehouse operations is a plus, but not required. We’re willing to train the right person.

• Hands-on work in a food production and manufacturing facility.
• Daily exposure to chocolate, gummies, packaging materials, and food-grade equipment.
• A mix of production, packaging, inventory, and fulfillment responsibilities.
• A fast-paced environment, particularly during production runs and shipping days.
• A strong emphasis on cleanliness, accuracy, teamwork, and consistency.

Candidates should be comfortable performing the essential functions of the role, including standing for extended periods and handling production and packaging materials.

As Dark Star continues to grow, there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities in production and operations. Team members who demonstrate strong performance, reliability, and initiative may have the opportunity to support inventory management, lead production activities, train other team members, or contribute to process improvements.

We value people who take ownership of their work, look for ways to improve how things are done, and want to grow alongside the company.

• Work with a family-owned, women-owned New York company with deep roots in chocolate making.
• Be part of a collaborative team that takes pride in the products we make.
• Learn hands-on production skills and gain experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Take on a variety of responsibilities rather than doing the same task every day.
• Have the opportunity to grow with a developing company.

Job Title: Production & Operations Associate

Location: Orchard Park, NY

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

Compensation: $17-$20 depending on relevant experience, qualifications, and the scope of the role.

Benefits:

• Paid time off and vacation.
• Opportunity to grow with a family-owned, women-owned New York company.
• Direct collaboration with leadership and the opportunity for growth in role.
• Health insurance options are currently being explored as part of our ongoing benefits development.

If you’re dependable, enjoy hands-on work, and want to be part of a team that takes pride in making great products, we’d love to hear from you!

Submit your resume and a brief introduction telling us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in joining Dark Star.

Dark Star is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are excited to contribute to our team.