Fertigation Lead

Company Overview

Cresco Labs is one of the largest public, vertically integrated, multistate operators in the cannabis industry. Our portfolio of in-house cultivated and manufactured brands features some of the highest quality, most awarded and most popular cannabis products in America. With dozens of locations nationwide, our owned and operated Sunnyside® dispensaries provide a welcoming, positive, judgement-free place to shop for anyone at any point on their cannabis journey. Founded in 2013, Cresco Labs' mission is to normalize and professionalize cannabis through our passionate employees. As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of our fellow colleagues, consumers, customers, and communities alike. With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEED™ initiative ensures that our company reflects the communities in which we serve, ensuring equal opportunity for all to have the knowledge and resources to work in and own businesses in cannabis. At Cresco Labs, we aim to revolutionize and lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on quality and consistency of product, and to bring legitimacy to the industry with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Mission Statement

At Cresco, we aim to lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Job Summary

Cresco Labs is seeking a detail-oriented Fertigation Lead to support the daily operations of the irrigation and nutrient delivery systems at our cannabis cultivation facility. The Fertigation Lead works closely with cultivation management and the cultivation team to ensure effective and consistent delivery of nutrients, proper maintenance of irrigation equipment, and execution of daily fertigation schedules. This role requires strong attention to detail, technical skill with automated fertigation systems, and a commitment to quality standards, compliance, and team collaboration.

Core Job Duties

• Execute daily fertigation schedules and nutrient delivery plans as directed by the Cultivation Management team.
• Operate and monitor fertigation equipment and systems (Argus, Ridder, Anderson, Tridium, or similar), ensuring proper pH, EC, and nutrient levels are maintained.
• Accurately mix, prepare, and fill concentrate and day tanks to support scheduled nutrient programs.
• Assist with the inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of fertigation lines, emitters, pumps, tanks, filters, sensors, and control systems.
• Monitor irrigation system performance; proactively report and assist with troubleshooting alarms, malfunctions, or irregularities.
• Collect and record data on moisture levels, EC, pH, and other key metrics; assist in maintaining accurate records for compliance and operational tracking.
• Support soil moisture monitoring and sensor calibration as directed.
• Maintain inventory levels of fertilizers, chemicals, and supplies; communicate material needs to ensure timely replenishment.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to fertigation, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and sanitation.
• Adhere to safety protocols and internal compliance standards, including environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Assist with training and mentoring fertigation team members, providing support and guidance as assigned by leadership.
• Collaborate closely with Cultivation and Facilities teams to ensure fertigation needs align with overall plant care plans.

Required Experience, Education and Skills

• Demonstrated experience training, leading and/or mentoring junior staff or new hires preferred.
• 1+ year of experience working with automated fertigation or irrigation systems in a cultivation or agriculture environment.
• Cannabis cultivation experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of fertigation equipment, nutrient delivery systems, and basic plant care.
• Familiarity with fertigation software platforms such as Ridder, Argus, Priva, Anderson, or comparable systems.
• Basic understanding of pH, EC, and nutrients for plant health.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, SOPs, and safety guidelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to escalate equipment issues when needed.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Familiarity with Illinois cannabis regulations is a plus.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, database management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and Windows-based software.
• Requires work around plant material, which could include exposure to plant pollen and/or dust.
• Requires ability to sit, stand, kneel, and/or do repetitive actions with your hands for long periods of time.
• Requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs to torso level.
• Requires availability for rotating weekend shifts.

Pay

Pay Range: $20.50 – $20.50 USD per hour

Benefits

• Major medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) match program
• FSA/HSA programs
• LTD/STD options
• Life insurance and AD&D
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Annual discretionary bonuses
• Stock options
• Employee discount program

Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles, location, or position.

Additional Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
• Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship
• The company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship for this role or any other position, now or in the future