What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Specialist position at Elysian Dispensary?
Job Title: Inventory Specialist
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: General Manager / Inventory Manager
Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Inventory Specialists ensure inventory compliance across the POS system, back office, and METRC. Responsibilities include receiving both medicated and non-medicated products, conducting regular cycle counts and audits, restocking the vault and sales floor, and maintaining organization throughout all storage and sales areas.
While this role is primarily back-of-house, Inventory Specialists must be able to flex onto the sales floor when needed—to assist customers, educate retail associates, or support in-store pop-ups. This is considered an elevated position due to the precision and attention to detail required to maintain compliance with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations and internal inventory protocols.
All elevated roles are expected to support the training and development of fellow retail team members to help ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance across the store.
All team members are responsible for the upkeep of the store and company property. This may include but is not limited to cleaning bathroom facilities, breakroom, emptying trash receptacles into the dumpster, and keeping the parking lot clear of garbage. Duties also include any reasonable request made by the management team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Control
- Receive, verify, and log incoming cannabis products into the inventory management system and state-mandated seed-to-sale tracking system (e.g., METRC, Treez, etc).
- Accurately label, tag, and organize products in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
- Conduct routine inventory audits (daily, weekly, monthly) to ensure records match physical product quantities.
- Track product movement and reconcile discrepancies promptly, reporting issues to the Inventory or Dispensary Manager.
- Ensure products are stored appropriately and organized to support efficient sales floor replenishment.
Compliance & Recordkeeping
- Maintain strict adherence to all state and local cannabis laws and company SOPs regarding storage, handling, and reporting.
- Ensure all products are compliant with labeling requirements, expiration dates, and packaging standards.
- Track waste, returns, and destroyed product in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal protocols.
- Prepare and maintain documentation required for inspections, audits, and compliance reporting.
Sales Floor & Operational Support
- Replenish the sales floor with cannabis and non-cannabis products in a timely manner to maintain product availability.
- Collaborate with Budtenders and managers to ensure fast-moving items are stocked and special orders are fulfilled.
- Support promotional setups and product rotation (FIFO) to avoid spoilage or expiration.
- Communicate inventory issues (shortages, expirations, defects) to management and recommend solutions.
Vendor & Shipment Coordination
- Coordinate deliveries with vendors, ensuring manifests match deliveries and discrepancies are addressed immediately.
- Check for product damage or labeling errors during the intake process and document appropriately.
- Assist with preparing return shipments and documenting product recalls if applicable.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- High School diploma or equivalent required; college-level coursework or certifications in logistics, business, or cannabis compliance a plus.
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience in inventory, warehouse, or supply chain management; cannabis industry experience highly preferred.
- Familiarity with cannabis seed-to-sale software systems (e.g., METRC, BioTrack) strongly preferred.
- Strong math skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
- Must pass all required background checks and obtain any required cannabis worker permits or state credentials.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent use of hands and arms to operate equipment, label products, and handle inventory.
- Comfortable working in environments where cannabis and related products are stored and handled.
Work Schedule
- Must have flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- May require occasional overtime during inventory reconciliation periods, deliveries, or audits.