Cultivation Lead

TerrAscend; Boonton, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Mental health support

Flexible PTO

EAP

Parental leave

401(k) match

Pet insurance

Employee discounts

Recognition program

Life insurance

Job summary

TerrAscend in New Jersey is seeking a Lead Cultivator to guide daily grow-room operations and supervise the cultivation team under the Cultivation Manager. You will track crops, document processes, and ensure compliance with state regulations and TerrAscend policies.

The role emphasizes safety, inventory control, and hands-on leadership in a fast-paced cannabis cultivation environment. Weekend/holiday availability may be required, with a focus on quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• 1–2 years in a similar role.
• Ability to lead a team and assist in processes.
• Knowledge of cultivation technologies (lights, irrigation, soil, nutrients).
• Ability to maintain schedule, documentation and inventory.
• Must be 21+ and pass background check.
• Flexibility to work weekends/holidays/overtime.

Responsibilities

• Increase operational efficiency and reduce waste in your area.
• Oversee your group processes and perform tasks hands-on in grow area.
• Maintain crop production schedule and inventory.
• Promote TerrAscend's vision and values.
• Conduct SOP training for team members.
• Report equipment or workload problems to Cultivation Manager.
• Work assigned hours with possible overtime and weekends.
• Maintain clean, safe grow facility and PPE usage.
• Ensure data recording, product tracking and security compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Punctuality

Documentation

Adaptability

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

At TerrAscend, we don’t just grow cannabis — we grow possibility. Whether it's cultivating top-tier flower, supporting patients with trusted therapies, or crafting premium products for adult use, we’re here to elevate lives. As a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, our roots run deep and our sights are set high. If you're ready to shape the future of cannabis with a team that believes in quality, care, and community — let’s grow together.

As a Lead Cultivator, you will work within the Cultivation Department and report to the Cultivation Manager. You will assist the Cultivation Manager by carrying out day-to-day processes within the grow rooms and overseeing the daily activities of assigned cultivation team members, under the guidance and supervision of the Cultivation Manager. The tasks associated with this position include but are not limited to: crop tracking, crop documentation, performing crop production duties, labeling, cleaning, and training in accordance with the state of New Jersey regulations and TerrAscend policies and procedures.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for increasing operational efficiency and reducing waste through ownership, teamwork, communication, and collaboration in your assigned room/area.
• Responsible for overseeing your group assigned processes and capable of performing tasks hands-on in the grow/cultivation area.
• Maintaining crop production schedule by ensuring adequate plant inventory.
• Demonstrate and promote the company's vision and values.
• Responsible for conducting SOP training and refresher training sessions for all team members who are assigned to your department.
• Report all equipment, technical, or workload problems immediately to the Cultivation Manager.
• Work during assigned hours and overtime, weekends, or holidays when necessary.
• Remain in department until all work is complete each day.
• Maintain cultivation environment (cleaning and sanitizing workspaces, consumables inventory, media inventory, etc.).
• Adhere to company health and safety policies; including eye protection, ear protection, uniforms, hand protection, and all other PPE.
• Follow all company analytical and administrative Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee daily activities of cultivation team members, under the guidance and supervision of the Cultivation Manager.
• Report deficiencies to management.
• Ensure 100% compliance involving proper data recording, product tracking, and security throughout all processes.
• Ability to perform all Cultivator duties per the Cultivator job description on a daily basis.
• Perform all assigned duties required to ensure a clean and safe grow facility.
• Ability to thoroughly control and operate all cultivation equipment, including irrigation equipment, in a safe manner and environment.
• Other duties as assigned needed/required to meet goals.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
• High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• 1-2 years experience in a similar role or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be capable of leading a team and assisting them in job processes when/where required.
• Knowledge of growing technologies, such as lights, irrigation, soil, nutrients, and more.
• Knowledge of different cultivars and their unique growing demand.
• Ability to execute techniques consistently.
• Good documentation, inventory, and organization skills.
• Ability to keep to a tight schedule.
• Ability to maintain excellent punctuality and attendance.
• Flexibility with hours and days – must be open to working weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary.
• Excellent verbal interpersonal communication skills to interact with team members.
• Basic weights and measurement skills, ability to operate a scale.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Subject to background check per state cannabis regulations.

$21 - $21 an hour

Perks Rolled Just for You (for Benefits-Eligible Roles)

• - Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans available for employees and their dependents.
• - Mental Health & Wellness Support – Access to the AI-powered Sabender platform, confidential counseling and life coaching through PAS, nutrition coaching, and discounts at Husk Fitness.
• - Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) – Generous PTO to support work–life balance (availability may vary by state—ask your recruiter for details).
• - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for mental health, financial planning, legal matters, and more.
• - Paid Parental Leave – Dedicated time to rest, recharge, and care for your growing family.
• - 401(k) with Company Match – Save for the future with a 4% company match and immediate vesting.
• - Pet Insurance – Affordable coverage options to keep your pets healthy.
• - Employee Discounts – Exclusive savings at any of TerrAscend’s 39+ dispensary locations.
• - Recognition Program – Earn points through peer-to-peer recognition and redeem for Amazon rewards or gift cards.
• - Disability & Life Insurance – Company-paid protection for life’s unexpected moments.

Environmental Factors:

This position requires working in an environment that has a high amount of plant matter and pollen. Areas of the facility reach high/low temperatures with high humidity levels. Employees may have exposure to conditions such as dust, plant matter, and particles that affect the respiratory system, eyes, or skin, depending on department job assignments. Employees are required to wear protective gear and have the option to wear eye and ear protection. Certain areas of the facility use harsh chemicals for cleaning such as bleach and can have repetitive movements. Employees should be comfortable and capable of working under all of the above conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• - Able to push, pull, lift, or move a minimum of 50lbs
• - Capable of sitting, standing kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or walking for extended periods of time
• - Capable of using hands and fingers to touch, handle, feel and pick
• - Ability to work with hazardous chemicals (butane, propane, etc.) following strict safety guidelines
• - Utilize chemicals (such as bleach) to clean and maintain facility/equipment
• - Must wear PPE (clothing protection), close-toed non-slip shoes, and optional ear/eye protection

Background Check Requirement

As a condition of employment, a complete background investigation will be conducted based on the rules of the specific State in which the employee is hired. Typically, the state investigative process includes a state and federal background check.

EEO Statement

At TerrAscend, employees and applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications, skills, and ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. TerrAscend is committed to assuring equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.

TerrAscend is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy or related medical conditions, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, to include gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gender identity, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and coworkers.

Disclaimer

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The list of job responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, and the like is not exhaustive, rather it is illustrative of the current essential functions required for the position.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. E-Verify Works for Everyone For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.

Esta Organización Participa en E-Verify.

Este empleador participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en losEE.UU.. Si E-Verify no puede confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar, este empleador está requerido a darle instrucciones por escrito y una oportunidad de contactar al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) o a la Administración del Seguro Social (SSA) para que pueda empezar a resolver el problema antes de que el empleador pueda tomar cualquier acción en su contra, incluyendo la terminación de su empleo. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Para más información sobre E-Verify, o si usted cree que su empleador ha violado sus responsabilidades de E-Verify, por favor contacte a DHS.

Statement on External Recruiting Agencies

TerrAscend and all affiliates do not accept blind resume submissions from external recruiting agencies. No fee will be paid to agencies who submit candidates without being under contract for an active search with TerrAscend.