Lead Cultivation Associate

At Curaleaf, we’re redefining the cannabis industry with a strong commitment to quality, expertise, and innovation. As a leading global cannabis provider, our brands—including Curaleaf, Select, and Grassroots—offer premium products and services in both medical and adult‑use markets. Join us to be part of a high‑growth, purpose‑driven company that champions corporate social responsibility through our Rooted in Good initiative, supporting community outreach and positive change.

Position Summary

The Lead Cultivation Associate is responsible for leading a team of hourly employees in vegetative garden cultivation operations with a continuous focus on compliance, safety accountability, product integrity, team productivity and cost. The role also supports additional department operations, including mother plant care, cloning, inventory control, and the flower garden as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Cultivation Associates in tasks such as watering, feeding, defoliating, transplanting, organizing, cleaning cultivation spaces and operator‑level maintenance in the vegetative garden.
• Co‑lead and support additional department functions such as sanitation, room preparation, mother plant care, cloning, etc.
• Care for cannabis plants via transplanting, pruning and fertilizing with oversight from cultivation management.
• Lead and pace the team to ensure adherence to the grow plan and schedule.
• Ensure product integrity; maintain plant quality while being cloned, grown and harvested.
• Safely handle and apply sanitizing, foliar and preventative chemical sprays.
• Perform daily audits of garden rooms to maintain optimal growing conditions.
• Monitor and report problems with lighting, HVAC, CO₂, irrigation and airflow systems.
• Monitor humidity/temperature levels and report out‑of‑tolerance readings.
• Perform pest inspection and mitigation activities to prevent/remediate mold, powdery mildew, spider mites, root aphids, fungus gnats, etc.
• Maintain correct plant structure and foliage level to allow proper airflow and light penetration by strategically removing leaves per schedule.
• Measure and dispose of plant waste in accordance with state regulations.
• Support department core metrics (quantity, quality, and productivity objectives) and measure planned versus actual performance on an hourly cadence.
• Utilize and maintain production data files, records, and reports such as the Daily Hour‑by‑Hour Tracker, load plans, grow schedules, and plant inventory.
• Support tracking and recordkeeping functions with the state seed‑to‑sale e‑system MJ Freeway, remaining in compliance with DOH rules and regulations.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) for all operations, ensuring adherence to company and regulatory compliance (weighing, data recording, product tracking, security, green waste disposal, etc.).
• Train and coach team members in accordance with SOP.
• Engage with department continuous improvement and occupational safety initiatives such as the 5S program and Hazard Communication.
• Hold self and others accountable at all times.
• Assist management with cultivation scheduling and resource planning (labor, consumables) daily/weekly/monthly.
• Support the 5S program and sanitation schedules; serve as a team champion for sanitation and bio‑security.
• Pass on key communications from management and keep the team informed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 year of relevant experience with team leadership, preferably in a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to precision and accuracy.
• Proven work ethic focused on productivity and quality.
• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new operational processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic weight and measurement concepts; skilled in operating various scales and meters.
• Excellent time management skills; ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in sensitive work situations.
• Clear, calm communicator able to handle difficult situations professionally.
• Proficiency with computers, web browsers, and Google Apps.
• Ability to remain composed and effective during periods of high stress or unusual activity.
• Demonstrated reliability, honesty, integrity, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting (growing, harvesting, etc.).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods (8‑10 hours per shift).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lb regularly; occasional heavier lifts with assistance.
• Frequent and repetitive use of hands and wrists for extended periods.
• Repetitive bending, squatting, and reaching.
• Ability to climb ladders or step stools to access plants or equipment.
• Use of required PPE (masks, hair nets, beard covers, respirators, boot covers, scrubs, non‑slip shoes, Tyvek suits) as necessary.
• Exposure to high humidity, varying temperatures, strong odors, soil, water, fertilizer, dust, pollen, plant pathogens, cleaning solvents (e.g., isopropyl alcohol), loud noises, and CO₂ manufacturing procedures at OSHA‑approved levels.

Schedule

Full‑time, non‑exempt. Sunday to Thursday, 6:15 AM – 3:45 PM.

Pay

Hourly rate: $21.25 – $24.00 USD.

Benefits

• Career growth opportunities
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Generous PTO and parental leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Community involvement initiatives
• Referral bonuses and product discounts
• Benefits vary by state, role type, and eligibility