What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cultivation Specialist 1 position at Illicit Brand (From the Earth / Illicit Gardens / Illicit)?
Job Title: Cultivation Specialist I
Company: Illicit Gardens, NJ
Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am-4:30pm
Pay Rate: $18.00/hr
Company Summary
Illicit Gardens is one of New Jerseys leading cannabis brands, recognized for producing high-quality products and maintaining a bold, authentic approach to the industry. Our team is committed to excellence in cultivation, manufacturing, and production while continuously supporting innovation and operational growth across our facilities. Illicit Gardens is also proud to be a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means our employees are not just team members, they are owners of the company. We believe that when employees have a stake in the company, they take greater pride in the work they do, creating a stronger team and better results for everyone.
Position Summary
The Cultivation Specialist I is an entry-level role responsible for assisting with basic tasks throughout the cannabis cultivation process. This position supports the cultivation team by performing plant maintenance, harvest preparation, and post-harvest activities while ensuring all work is completed in accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plant Maintenance
? Assist with routine plant care and maintenance tasks within cultivation rooms
? Perform schwazzing (defoliation) by removing excess fan leaves to support plant health and optimize light penetration
? Support general plant maintenance activities to promote proper plant growth and development
? Assist with harvesting cannabis plants following established procedures
? Conduct plant takedown, which includes efficiently removing product from plants while ensuring quality and safety standards are maintained
? Ensure harvested plants are properly handled and transferred to designated processing or drying areas
? Perform foliage removal and trimming tasks to prepare plants for the drying and curing process
? Support the proper preparation and organization of harvested material for drying
? Maintain a clean and organized cultivation environment
? Assist with sanitation of cultivation equipment and work areas
? Perform additional cultivation tasks as assigned by management
Compliance & Documentation
? Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and state regulatory requirements related to cannabis cultivation
? Maintain accurate tracking of plants and product as required by company procedures and state regulations
? Ensure all tasks are completed in a compliant and sanitary manner
General Facility Duties
? Maintain a clean and organized cultivation environment
? Assist with sanitation of cultivation equipment and work areas
? Perform additional cultivation tasks as assigned by management
Required Qualifications
? Must be 21 years of age or older
? Ability to obtain and maintain any required state cannabis agent registration
? Ability to follow detailed procedures and comply with regulated industry requirements
? Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Physical Requirements
? Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods of time
? Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
? Ability to work in humid, warm, and plant-filled environments typical of indoor cultivation
facilities
Work Environment
This position operates within a controlled indoor cultivation environment. Employees may be exposed to plant material, humidity, strong aromas, and varying temperatures typical of cannabis cultivation operations.
EEO Statement
Our Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Benefits
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Competitive salary and benefits package
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Paid time off and employee discounts on products
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Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
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100% Employee Owned (ESOP)