Extraction Technician

Vangst; Waterfall (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Vangst is seeking an Extraction Technician to operate cannabis extraction equipment in a laboratory setting, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on hydrocarbon and solventless extraction methods, equipment maintenance, and accurate documentation to support production goals in a fast-paced environment.

The position requires attention to detail, good communication, and flexibility with scheduling.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 6 months cannabis extraction experience using hydrocarbon methods.
• Experience with solventless extraction preferred.
• Must pass a background check.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate extraction equipment to meet daily production and efficiency goals.
• Ensure all extraction and processing activities meet quality, safety, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain extraction and processing equipment, including hydrocarbon, solventless, distillation, and related systems.
• Safely handle hazardous materials and follow chemical handling and disposal procedures.
• Maintain accurate batch, equipment, quality, inventory, and seed-to-sale documentation.
• Complete required logs, tracking records, and production documentation on time.
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual equipment checks.
• Assist with development and maintenance of extraction SOPs.
• Assist training and onboarding of new team members.
• Support R&D initiatives to improve extraction quality and efficiency.

Skills

Cannabis extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction

Solventless extraction

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Flexible schedule

Team player

Background check

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Extraction Technician works in a laboratory environment to produce cannabis extracts and other cannabis products. This position is responsible for safely operating extraction equipment, maintaining efficient production processes, and ensuring all work is completed in accordance with established procedures, quality standards, and state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate extraction equipment to meet daily production and efficiency goals.
• Ensure all extraction and processing activities are completed in accordance with quality and safety standards, regulatory requirements, SOPs, and applicable legal requirements.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain extraction and processing equipment, including:
  • Solventless extraction systems
  • Hydrocarbon and solvent extraction systems
  • Supercritical fluid extraction systems
  • Distillation systems
  • Pumps, filters, and evaporators
• Safely handle hazardous materials, including butane, propane, and ethanol, while following established chemical handling and disposal procedures.
• Properly handle and dispose of cannabis waste in accordance with SOPs and state regulations.
• Maintain accurate batch, equipment, quality, inventory, and seed-to-sale documentation.
• Complete all required logs, tracking records, and production documentation accurately and on time.
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual equipment checks to support equipment performance and longevity.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of extraction SOPs.
• Maintain equipment and asset logs.
• Assist with training and onboarding new team members.
• Support research and development initiatives focused on improving extraction quality and efficiency.
• Clean and sanitize glassware, tools, storage vessels, transfer materials, equipment, and work surfaces.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
• Work collaboratively with team members while maintaining strong communication and situational awareness.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 6 months of cannabis extraction experience using hydrocarbon extraction methods.
• Experience with solventless extraction preferred.
• Strong attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Must meet all minimum age requirements established by applicable state cannabis regulations.
• Must successfully complete a background check.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a cannabis production and laboratory environment where employees may be exposed to plant material, pollen, dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures and humidity levels.

Employees may be required to work around materials or particles that could affect the respiratory system, eyes, or skin. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required based on the work being performed.

The facility may also use cleaning chemicals such as bleach and other approved sanitation products.

This role involves repetitive movements and requires employees to be comfortable working in an active production environment.

Physical Requirements Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Push, pull, lift, or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stand, kneel, bend, squat, and walk for extended periods.
• Use hands and fingers to handle, touch, feel, and manipulate tools, equipment, and materials.
• Work safely with chemicals such as butane, propane, ethanol, and cleaning agents.
• Clean and maintain production areas and equipment using approved chemicals.
• Wear required PPE, including protective clothing and closed‑toe, non‑slip footwear. Eye and ear protection may also be required depending on the task.

About Vangst

Vangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on‑demand gig workers to trained & credential full‑time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go‑to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200+ of the cannabis industry's leading businesses.

Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest‑growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies.

Today, over 300,000 people have full‑time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry.

Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others.

Vangst provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.