Extraction Lab Manager

Waabigwan Mashkiki; Erskine (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Waabigwan Mashkiki is seeking an Extraction Lab Manager to lead daily operations in our Minnesota extraction laboratory. The role involves overseeing production schedules, supervising staff, and ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

You will calibrate equipment, review test results, and drive continuous improvement in extraction processes. The ideal candidate brings hands-on lab leadership experience, strong data analysis, and knowledge of cannabis extraction

Qualifications

• Strong quality control and analytical skills.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment in extraction labs.
• Background in R&D, including process optimization and method development.
• Knowledge of cannabis extraction techniques and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations in the extraction lab.
• Manage production schedules and supervise staff.
• Monitor and optimize extraction runs.
• Maintain calibration of lab equipment.
• Ensure SOPs, quality and regulatory standards are met.
• Train team members and enforce safety protocols.
• Collaborate with leadership on new extraction methods and product formulations.

Skills

Quality control

Lab safety

Team leadership

Data analysis

SOP creation

Regulatory knowledge

Experiment optimization

Communication

Education

Chemistry/Biology/Engineering degree

Equivalent training/experience

Tools

HPLC

GC/MS

Spectroscopy

Job description

Company Description

Waabigwan Mashkiki is a Native-owned, vertically integrated cannabis organization with cultivation, processing, and dispensary operations across Minnesota. The company oversees the full lifecycle of cannabis products, from growing and extraction to retail, ensuring consistent quality and compliance. Team members collaborate across sites to support safe, effective cannabis products for diverse patient and consumer needs. Working at Waabigwan Mashkiki offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing, mission-driven industry with strong community roots. The organization values integrity, accountability, and respect in all aspects of its operations.

Role Description

The Extraction Lab Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Mahnomen, MN, responsible for overseeing daily operations in the cannabis extraction laboratory. This role manages production schedules, supervises lab staff, and ensures that extraction processes meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Day-to-day tasks include monitoring and optimizing extraction runs, maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment, implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and coordinating with cultivation and processing teams to support product development. The Extraction Lab Manager reviews test results and documentation, maintains accurate production and compliance records, and leads continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency and yield. This position also involves training team members, enforcing safety protocols, and collaborating with leadership on new extraction methods and product formulations.

Qualifications

• Strong quality control and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and maintain rigorous standards.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and core laboratory skills in an extraction or similar lab environment.
• Background in research and development (R&D), including process optimization and method development.
• Working knowledge of cannabis extraction techniques, safety practices, and relevant state regulations is highly beneficial.
• Previous experience managing or leading a laboratory or production team, preferably in the cannabis, pharmaceutical, or food industry.
• Ability to create, implement, and maintain SOPs, documentation, and compliance records with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Relevant education in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of training and experience.