Cultivation Technician (Back Country Crew)

Smith Farms North; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Farms North in Minnesota's Northwoods is seeking a Cultivation Technician to be the hands-on heart of the grow. From clone to cure, you’ll support yield, quality, and the operational consistency needed to deliver small-batch cannabis production.

You’ll perform plant care and environment duties, monitor light, humidity and temperature, implement IPM protocols, and maintain batch records in our seed-to-sale system.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ years of agriculture/greenhouse experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable in warm, humid environments with cleanliness standards.
• Must be 21+ and pass a Minnesota OCM background check.
• Reliable, team-oriented, and eager to grow professionally.

Responsibilities

• Water, feed, transplant, trellis, defoliate, and prune plants across life stages.
• Monitor environmental factors (light, humidity, temperature) and report anomalies.
• Implement IPM protocols (scouting, pest prevention, environmental sanitation).
• Maintain accurate batch records in seed-to-sale system (METRC or equivalent).
• Log all plant activity by batch, room, and stage in real time.
• Assist with harvest, drying, and post-harvest processing as needed.
• Communicate with Cultivation Manager about issues or needs.

Skills

Physical stamina

Team player

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Background check

Safety conscious

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Overview:

Smith Farms North is a vertically integrated microbusiness located in the heart of Minnesota's Northwoods. We cultivate premium flower and produce handcrafted solventless products under the Trail brand family, including Trail Joints, Trail Chews, and Trail Vapors. Our co-located retail storefront, Trailhead Cannabis Company, offers a rustic, welcoming consumer experience. Together, we're building a new standard in Minnesota cannabis: rooted in craft, guided by compliance, and shaped by the natural beauty of our surroundings.

We're not a corporate machine. We're a small team doing meaningful work - blending agriculture, manufacturing, and retail into something exceptional. If you're passionate about plants, focused on precision, and ready to grow in a fast-moving environment, this might be the place for you.

Position Overview:

As a Cultivation Technician, you are the hands-on heart of the grow, responsible for executing the daily rhythms that keep our plants healthy, happy, and high-performing. From clone to cure, your work directly supports yield, quality, and the operational consistency needed to deliver small-batch excellence at scale.

This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a willingness to get your hands dirty while learning the science and craft of premium cannabis production.

Responsibilities:

Plant Care & Environment

• Water, feed, transplant, trellis, defoliate, and prune plants across multiple life stages
• Monitor environmental factors (light, humidity, temperature) and report anomalies
• Implement IPM protocols (scouting, pest prevention, environmental sanitation)
• Maintain accurate records in our seed-to-sale system (METRC or equivalent)

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Log all plant activity by batch, room, and stage in real time
• Ensure all cultivation activities meet state and company SOP requirements
• Assist with batch tracking, plant movement, and label verification

Facility & Equipment

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of cultivation rooms and tools
• Wash and sanitize irrigation lines, trays, shears, and surfaces
• Ensure equipment is pest-free and operational at all times

Team Contribution

• Assist in harvest, drying, and post-harvest processing as needed
• Support cross-training and pitch in during busy retail or processing days
• Communicate clearly with Cultivation Manager about issues or needs
• Participate in ongoing learning, training, and improvement

Required Skills/Abilities

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1+ years of experience in agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse work, or similar field preferred (but not required)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand, squat, bend, or reach for extended periods
• Comfortable working in warm, humid environments with strict cleanliness standards
• Must be 21+ years old and pass a background check as required by Minnesota OCM
• Reliable, team-oriented, and eager to grow professionally