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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Extraction Operator

💰 $60,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingLaboratoryScienceCannabis IndustryProduction

🎯 Role Definition

The Extraction Operator is the hands-on expert responsible for the day-to-day execution of all extraction and post-processing activities. This position involves operating sophisticated equipment, meticulously following established procedures (SOPs), and maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can work both independently and as part of a collaborative production team to achieve output goals while upholding the highest quality standards in the industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Assistant or Technician
  • Production or Manufacturing Associate
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Packaging Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Extraction Operator / Senior Technician
  • Extraction Manager / Laboratory Supervisor
  • Formulation Scientist
  • Process Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
  • Research & Development (R&D) Associate
  • Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute complex extraction processes using state-of-the-art equipment, such as supercritical/subcritical CO2, ethanol, or hydrocarbon systems, to produce high-quality crude oil.
  • Perform all stages of the extraction process, including pre-processing of biomass, primary extraction, and post-processing refinement techniques.
  • Strictly adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure product consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
  • Meticulously monitor and document all critical process parameters, including temperature, pressure, and flow rates, making real-time adjustments to optimize yield and quality.
  • Conduct routine and preventative maintenance on all laboratory and extraction equipment to ensure optimal performance, safety, and minimal downtime.
  • Manage and accurately track inventory of raw plant material, in-process materials, solvents, and finished extracts using inventory management software (e.g., METRC, BioTrack).
  • Execute post-extraction refinement techniques, including winterization, decarboxylation, short-path distillation, and wiped-film distillation, to achieve desired purity and potency.
  • Collaborate closely with the Quality Control team to collect and submit samples for analytical testing, and interpret lab results to inform necessary process adjustments.
  • Maintain an exceptionally clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to all facility sanitation protocols and safety regulations.
  • Handle, store, and properly dispose of hazardous materials and chemical waste in strict compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.
  • Accurately complete all production logs, batch records, and data entry in a timely manner to ensure full traceability and audit-readiness.
  • Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and operational issues, performing minor repairs or escalating complex problems to the maintenance or management team.
  • Consistently meet or exceed production targets and quality standards as established by the Extraction Manager.
  • Perform precise weighing, grinding, and preparation of biomass material for extraction runs according to the daily and weekly production schedule.
  • Package, label, and properly store finished extracts according to strict protocols to preserve quality and ensure accurate inventory tracking.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Research & Development (R&D) team by executing experimental runs and meticulously documenting observations and results.
  • Assist in the development, review, and optimization of new and existing extraction and purification SOPs to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
  • Collaborate with cultivation, processing, and packaging teams to ensure a seamless end-to-end production workflow.
  • Participate actively in team meetings, production planning sessions, and ongoing safety training programs.
  • Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and suggesting process enhancements.
  • Assist in training new technicians on equipment operation, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain calibration and verification logs for laboratory instruments and scales to ensure measurement accuracy and data integrity.
  • Uphold all state and local regulatory compliance requirements specific to the processing operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Extraction Methodologies: Proficient in operating and troubleshooting CO2, Ethanol, or Hydrocarbon extraction systems.
  • Post-Processing Techniques: Hands-on experience with short-path/wiped-film distillation, winterization, and filtration.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Strong mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on lab equipment.
  • Laboratory Safety: Deep understanding of chemical handling, SDS, PPE, and OSHA safety standards in a lab environment.
  • GMP/SOP Adherence: Proven ability to follow complex procedures and maintain meticulous batch records in a regulated setting.
  • Data Logging & Tracking: Competency with inventory management software (e.g., METRC) and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) for data entry.
  • Basic Chemistry Knowledge: Foundational understanding of chemical principles, solvents, and solutions relevant to extraction.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Extremely meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from measurement to documentation.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to critically assess operational issues and effectively troubleshoot equipment and processes.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet production deadlines.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and evolving industry.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to producing high-quality results.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED with significant relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical)
  • Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or production environment.

Preferred: Direct experience as an Extraction Technician in the cannabis, food, or pharmaceutical industry. Experience working in a cGMP, ISO, or similarly regulated environment is highly desirable.

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