Lab Technician

Job Title: Cannabis Lab Technician

Position Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Cannabis Lab Technician to support laboratory and production operations within a regulated cannabis environment. This role is responsible for assisting with extraction, processing, testing preparation, and compliance tracking. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in cannabis labs, strong attention to detail, and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements, including METRC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in cannabis extraction and post-processing operations (e.g., ethanol, CO₂, hydrocarbon systems as applicable)
• Support refinement processes such as winterization, filtration, distillation, and solvent recovery
• Prepare and handle samples for internal testing or third-party lab submission
• Accurately weigh, measure, and document all materials used in production
• Maintain detailed and compliant records of all product movement and batch tracking in METRC
• Ensure all processes follow state regulations, internal SOPs, and safety protocols
• Monitor and maintain lab equipment, including cleaning, calibration, and basic troubleshooting
• Assist with inventory management, including raw materials, finished goods, and waste tracking
• Label and package products in accordance with compliance and quality standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory environment (GMP standards)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (cultivation, packaging, quality assurance) as needed

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in cannabis lab, extraction, or production environment preferred
• Hands-on experience with METRC is required
• Basic understanding of cannabis extraction and post-processing techniques
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict compliance procedures
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, repetitive, and regulated environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Must be 21 and able to pass all required background checks

Preferred Experience:

• Background in chemistry, biology, or related field (formal education or hands-on experience)
• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and lab safety protocols
• Experience with analytical testing equipment (HPLC, GC, or similar)
• Experience in batch record keeping and audit readiness

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Fast-paced, production-driven lab environment
• May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, or overtime depending on production needs
• Strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols required

Key Traits for Success:

• Highly detail-oriented and organized
• Compliance-focused mindset
• Ability to follow structured processes and SOPs
• Adaptable and team-oriented
• Strong sense of accountability

About Vangst:

Vangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on-demand gig workers to trained & credentialed full-time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go-to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200 of the cannabis industry's leading businesses. Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. Today, over 300,000 people have full-time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry. Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others. Vangst 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.