Budtender - Retail Associate

Minnesota Cannabis Services; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips on top of pay

Employee discount on cannabis products

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Earned Sick & Safe Time (ESST)

Holiday Pay

Job summary

Minnesota Cannabis Services is seeking a Retail Associate (Budtender) to guide customers through product selection, provide cannabis education, and ensure an exceptional in-store experience. This customer-facing role supports a highly regulated environment and emphasizes service quality.

You will work with a team dedicated to cannabis education, community wellness, and outstanding customer service, enjoying a collaborative environment with training and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Customer service or retail experience is required.
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers warmly and professionally; build rapport and encourage repeat visits.
• Guide product selection and provide cannabis education to customers.
• Process transactions accurately through POS and seed-to-sale systems.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Retail experience

Basic math

POS software

Inventory awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS software

Inventory software

Job description

At Minnesota Cannabis Services, we’re not just building businesses — we’re building the people who make them great. Our team partners with leading operators across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail to deliver world-class expertise in legal, finance, analytics, marketing, HR, and technology.

We’re looking for professionals who take pride in their work, move with purpose, and thrive in fast-changing environments. The kind of people who hold themselves to high standards, think creatively, and find satisfaction in solving hard problems.

When you join our team, you’ll work alongside some of the most experienced leaders in the industry — professionals who share their knowledge freely and lead by example. You’ll be challenged, supported, and trusted to take ownership of meaningful work that shapes the future of one of the fastest-growing industries in America.

MN Cannabis Services is a trusted leader in the cannabis industry, operating multiple state-licensed dispensaries and a modern production facility. As we grow and expand the business to the Minnesota Market, we are building exceptional retail teams who are passionate about cannabis education, community wellness, and customer service. If you enjoy working with and talking about cannabis, this is the right job for you! Retail Associates enjoy a fun and collaborative environment with great tips, the largest discount on cannabis in the industry, and a generous incentive program! Join our team today and start looking forward to coming to work doing something you love!

As a Retail Associate (Budtender), you are the face of the brand. You’ll guide customers through product selection, offer cannabis education, and ensure an exceptional in-store experience. This is a customer-facing role perfect for someone passionate about cannabis, wellness, and retail service in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Sales

• Greet every customer warmly and professionally; build rapport and promote return visits
• Provide expert guidance on product selection based on individual needs, preferences, and regulations
• Educate customers on strain types, cannabinoid profiles, consumption methods, dosage, and product effects
• Offer recommendations based on customer health goals, product availability, and state regulations
• Promote loyalty programs, daily deals, and new product launches
• Ensure all customers/patients have a valid ID and meet all eligibility requirements before purchasing

Point of Sale Transactions

• Accurately process transactions through POS and seed-to-sale tracking systems
• Handle financial transactions with integrity and accuracy
• Follow all transaction limits, discounts, and promotional pricing protocols

Compliance & Documentation

• Adhere strictly to all state cannabis laws and internal SOPs (including ID verification, purchase limits, packaging, and labeling)
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance when handling patient/customer information
• Report discrepancies, compliance concerns, or suspicious activity to store leadership

Inventory & Merchandising

• Assist with restocking, product rotation, and backstock organization
• Maintain merchandising standards by keeping displays neat, full, and visually appealing
• Verify accurate labeling and pricing on all retail products
• Support cycle counts and inventory audits as needed

Store Presentation & Cleanliness

• Ensure the sales floor, waiting area, restrooms, and break room remain clean and organized
• Sanitize high-touch areas and workstations regularly
• Follow store opening, closing, and cash-handling procedures

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 1+ year of customer service, hospitality, or retail experience; cannabis experience not required
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills
• Basic math and computer skills; POS and inventory software experience a plus
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions such as standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly (up to 200 pounds with assistance), with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must meet all state requirements for employment in a licensed cannabis facility

Benefits and Compensation

• Pay starts at $15.00/hr. – plus additional earnings from tips
• Top-performing Retail Associates have the potential to earn $80 or more in tips per shift
• Employee discount includes 50% off smokable cannabis products and exclusive discounts from top national retailers
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Earned Sick & Safe Time (ESST)
• Holiday Pay for anyone working New Years Day, 4/20, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

If you’re driven, resourceful, and ready to make an impact, we want you on our team. Minnesota Cannabis Services is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.