Budtender ($17.25 hourly + tip pool average $5-12 per hour)

Calgen Trading Inc; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgen Trading Inc. is seeking a Budtender (Retail Sales Associate) in California to guide guests through product selection, education, and purchase while ensuring compliance with cannabis regulations.

You will maintain accurate transactions, uphold a clean workspace, and support retail operations through teamwork and product knowledge. The role emphasizes exceptional customer service, knowledge of current products, regulations, and safety procedures, with a focus on compliance and a positive

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of retail or customer service experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word; advanced knowledge of Excel.

Responsibilities

• Greet, assist and educate guests on cannabis products and consumption methods.
• Maintain knowledge of products, cannabinoids, terpenes, and regulations for medical and adult-use sales.
• Process transactions accurately using the POS system and verify IDs and documentation.
• Ensure cash handling and security procedures are followed, including drawer balancing.
• Keep workstations stocked, organized and clean; assist with restocking and merchandising.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

POS system

Regulatory compliance

Product knowledge

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

Word

POS system

METRC

Job description

• Base Pay $17.25 / Hour
• Job Category Retail
• Employee Type Full-Time Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school

Description

Job Code: TBD
Job Department: Retail
Reports to: Store Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

SUMMARY:

The Budtender (Retail Sales Associate) is responsible for providing an exceptional customer experience by guiding guests through product selection, education, and purchase while ensuring full compliance with California cannabis regulations. This role maintains accurate transactions, a clean and organized workspace, and supports retail operations through teamwork, product knowledge, and attention to detail. The Budtender plays a vital role in representing the company’s brand, maintaining operational excellence, and fostering a positive, knowledgeable, and compliant retail environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (this list is not all inclusive)

• Delivers outstanding customer service by greeting, assisting, and educating guests on cannabis products and consumption methods.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of current products, cannabinoids, terpenes, and applicable regulations for medical and adult-use sales.
• Accurately processes customer transactions using the POS system and verify all required identification and documentation.
• Maintains compliance with all cash-handling and security procedures, including safe counts and drawer balancing.
• Ensures workstations are fully stocked, organized, and clean throughout the shift.
• Assists with restocking, labeling, and merchandising as directed by management.
• Participates in daily opening and closing duties, including cleaning, station setup, and system log review.
• Maintains awareness of daily promotions, discounts, and sales goals.
• Upholds compliance standards by verifying product labeling, purchase limits, and customer eligibility.
• Supports accurate and compliant recordkeeping in both POS and METRC systems.
• Handles exchanges and returns per company policy, escalating discrepancies to management as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, training sessions, and compliance updates to maintain current industry knowledge.
• Provides mentorship or training support for new team members as directed by management.
• Maintains a professional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all guests.
• Delivers an exceptional and compliant customer experience by providing timely, courteous, and professional service during every customer interaction, ensuring customers feel valued, respected, and well-informed.
• Executes ad hoc projects as assigned by direct supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Provides knowledgeable, empathetic, and compliant customer service that builds trust and loyalty.
• Understands and adheres to California DCC regulations, including purchase limits, ID verification, and recordkeeping.
• Maintains up-to-date understanding of cannabis products, cannabinoids, and consumption methods.
• Demonstrates clear, professional, and courteous communication with guests and coworkers.
• Collaborates effectively with peers and management to maintain smooth retail operations.
• Accurately manages transactions, product labeling, and compliance documentation.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Upholds ethical behavior, honesty, and responsibility in all customer and operational interactions.
• Keeps work areas clean, stocked, and efficient to support smooth shift operations.
• Seeks opportunities to expand cannabis knowledge and improve service techniques.
• Adjusts to changing business needs, schedules, and regulatory requirements with professionalism.
• Handles sensitive data and customer information with discretion and accuracy.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and work effectively across various sectors of the department as needed or requested by a direct supervisor. This includes the capacity to support other departments, ensuring seamless collaboration and responsiveness to organizational needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly: Walking, standing, grasping/gripping, bending/stooping/squatting, finger dexterity, POS input, coordination of hand and eye.
• Frequently: Standing for long periods of time, climbing stairs, and twisting.
• Frequently: Face contact with customers and staff.
• Occasionally: Reaching above shoulder height, lifting 50 lbs., ability to do push/pull motions.
• Constantly: Use visual display terminals (e.g., computers, tablets) for extended periods of time.
• Frequently: Ability to work weekends, holidays, nights, and retail events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED
• Prior retail or customer service experience (1-3 years)
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Word, with advanced knowledge in Excel
• Must be 21+ years old and pass a criminal background check requirement