Extraction Technician

Viridian Staffing; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridian Staffing's client is seeking an Extraction Technician to support cannabis extraction and distillation operations in the San Diego, California area. The role focuses on ethanol extraction and involves hands‑on work with centrifuges, rotary evaporators, pumps, and filtration systems under the supervision of the Lab Manager.

You should be mechanically inclined, detail‑oriented, dependable, and eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Experience in cannabis extraction, lab processing, or related manufacturing preferred.
• Exposure to ethanol extraction or distillation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prepare cannabis biomass for processing.
• Operate milling equipment.
• Prepare material for centrifuge-based ethanol extraction.
• Support filtration, solvent recovery, and distillation processes.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Dependability

Willingness to learn

Safety compliance

Documentation

Tools

Centrifuges

Pumps

Membrane filtration systems

Rotary evaporators

Job description

Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with flexibility for an earlier shift

Compensation: $20-$24/hour

Viridian Staffing's (www.viridianstaffing.com) Client is looking for an Extraction Technician to support the operations of a cannabis extraction and distillation facility in the San Diego, California, area.

Founded in 2013, Viridian Staffing is the premier staffing, recruiting, and HR consulting firm solely dedicated to organizations in and supporting the commercial, medical, and industrial cannabis/hemp industry.

As an Extraction Technician, you will work closely with the Lab Manager to support daily extraction and production operations, with a primary focus on ethanol extraction and distillation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing operation where you'll gain hands‑on experience working with specialized extraction equipment and have the opportunity to expand your technical skills as the facility grows.

Your responsibilities will include receiving and preparing cannabis biomass for processing, operating milling equipment, preparing material for centrifuge‑based ethanol extraction, and supporting filtration, solvent recovery, and distillation processes. You will be working with equipment such as centrifuges, pumps, membrane filtration systems, rotary evaporators, and other specialized processing equipment.

You should have some prior experience working in cannabis extraction, laboratory processing, or a related manufacturing environment, ideally with exposure to ethanol extraction or distillation. While previous cannabis extraction experience is preferred, you don't need to be an expert in every piece of equipment. Our Client is looking for someone who understands the fundamentals of production operations, is mechanically inclined, and is excited about continuing to develop their technical skills.

You must be comfortable following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), working with processing equipment, maintaining accurate production records, and following established safety protocols. Experience working with solvents, liquid processing systems, or laboratory equipment is highly desirable. Familiarity with California cannabis compliance requirements and inventory tracking systems is a plus, but not required.

Our Client is building a collaborative, safety‑focused environment where performance, continuous improvement, and a willingness to learn are valued. You'll work directly with an experienced Lab Manager who will provide hands‑on training and guidance. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail‑oriented, proactive, and able to work independently as their skills develop.

This position requires the ability to remain active throughout the workday, including standing, walking, and performing repetitive production tasks. You should also be comfortable handling and moving production materials and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

If you're mechanically inclined, enjoy hands‑on technical work, and are excited about helping a growing cannabis extraction operation succeed, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in cannabis extraction, laboratory processing, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Familiarity with ethanol extraction, distillation, filtration, or solvent recovery processes highly desirable.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn to operate specialized extraction equipment.
• Ability to follow SOPs, maintain accurate records, and work safely around industrial processing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and willingness to learn.
• Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with California cannabis regulations.

Viridian Enterprises LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Viridian does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, Marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recruiting @ viridianstaffing.com