Director of Cultivation - CannabizTeam

Our Client is hiring a new Director of Cultivation to oversee all aspects associated with cannabis cultivation for a multi-state operating company. The Director of Cultivation’s role encompasses all aspects of agronomy including horticultural science, integrated pest management, pesticide application, research and development, and SOPs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicate and be point of contact for facility/department to leadership.
• Oversee the operational management and business activities of the cultivation department in their assigned facility.
• Assists in establishing the overall agronomic and operational strategy and building the agronomic road map to achieve maximum yields, increase ROI, create efficiencies, solve problems, and test new farming concepts and technologies.
• Direct and implement SOPs, methods, policies, objectives to advance their department, and ensure continuing operations to increase productivity and guarantee regulatory compliance.
• Supervise managers in the development and execution of the clone-to-harvest cultivation schedule.
• Assist facility leadership in the development and execution of the facility production schedule.
• Leads the ideation and execution of experimental trials to achieve key company objectives and documents procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Monitors the effects of soil, water, nutrients, pests, and climate on yield and quality of the crops.
• Partners with laboratories to evaluate soil and tissue samples to determine nutrient needs and make recommendations for fertility programs to address those needs.
• Works with management to evaluate crop year performance, makes recommendations for ongoing improvements, and updates company best practices.
• Stays abreast of industry trends and innovations that would benefit the company and investigates the feasibility of applying new scientific principles and products across the asset portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with supervisors and team leads to proactively share necessary information, develop best practices, and work through agronomic and operational problems quickly and sustainably.
• Set and maintain flower inventory levels based on cultivation schedule and sales forecast.
• Ensure quality, safety, GMPs and ISO standards are followed.
• Ensure facility decisions and project plans are in line with the Company's business strategy and operational plan.
• Partner with data analytics to collect grow and environmental data for future facility and plant growing techniques.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing tactics including Six Sigma to identify, scope and implement processes, technologies, and systems to continuously improve product quality as well as operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce costs including but not limited to direct and indirect labor, product materials and capital investments by improving workflow, achievement of internal project dates and improving efficiency and effectiveness of the costs of production in facilities, engineering, equipment, operations, inventory levels and holding costs.
• Utilize KPIs to monitor, adjust, reward, and optimize company operations performance.
• Creates an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the company's mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Understand the controlled environment, soil science and soil-less medias, farming challenges, and pest issues.
• Function as a core team member and subject matter expert in working sessions designed to cross-functionally improve outcomes.
• Participate in all team meetings.
• Communicate with relevant industry and educational institutions to initiate research projects, problem-solve farm-specific issues, and learn of the latest methods for maximizing yields and controlling disease, weeds, and insects.
• Manage relationships with vendors and seek support when assistance or services are necessary.
• The Director of Cultivation may be asked to perform duties outside of this general description of essential job functions and must be willing to do any activity that exists on the farm, including menial tasks.

Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field with 5 years direct experience or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, or related field with 10 years direct experience
• Current valid California pesticide applicator license.
• Experience in cultivation using vertical racking systems, soil data monitoring systems, and LED lighting.
• Knowledge of growing methods including micronutrients, beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizae, nutrient implementation, pH and soil.
• Identification of plant diseases, insects, and fungi, as well as plant treatment options