Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Extraction Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

ManufacturingCannabisProductionAgricultureChemical ProcessingOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Extraction Supervisor is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of our production operations. You will be directly responsible for the management, execution, and optimization of all extraction, purification, and refinement processes. This involves leading a team of Extraction Technicians, ensuring strict adherence to all safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and driving efficiency to meet demanding production schedules. The ideal candidate is a technical expert, a motivational leader, and a proactive problem-solver dedicated to producing high-quality extracts in a compliant and safe environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Extraction Technician
  • Senior Process Chemist
  • Laboratory Manager (in a related industry)

Advancement To:

  • Extraction Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • Manufacturing/Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Process Improvement Manager
  • Research and Development Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, train, and mentor a team of Extraction Technicians, managing schedules, assigning daily tasks, and conducting regular performance evaluations to foster a skilled and motivated workforce.
  • Oversee all stages of the extraction and post-processing workflow, including preparation of raw materials, equipment operation, purification, and winterization, ensuring adherence to production schedules.
  • Develop, implement, and rigorously enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory operations to ensure consistency, safety, and product quality.
  • Guarantee the extraction team's strict compliance with all state regulations, health and safety standards (OSHA), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Manage and maintain a detailed inventory of raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products using seed-to-sale tracking systems (e.g., METRC) or other ERP software.
  • Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment, including extraction vessels, rotary evaporators, and short-path distillation systems, to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to extraction equipment, processes, and product quality in a timely and effective manner.
  • Champion a robust safety culture by conducting regular safety training, ensuring proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
  • Monitor key production metrics, including yields, purity, and cycle times, to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to perform in-process quality checks and ensure all final products meet stringent purity and potency specifications.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all production batches, maintenance activities, and inventory movements in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead the daily production meetings, communicating goals, reviewing performance, and addressing any operational challenges with the team.
  • Manage the procurement and inventory of necessary lab supplies, solvents, and consumables, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
  • Assist in the development and scaling of new extraction techniques and product formulations in collaboration with the R&D department.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on production output, team performance, and operational efficiency to the Extraction Manager or Director of Operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to yield optimization, solvent efficiency, and production throughput.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term data strategy and technology roadmap by providing user-level feedback on production software and systems.
  • Collaborate with business units, including cultivation and packaging, to translate data needs and ensure a smooth end-to-end production flow.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the data and engineering teams operate on such a framework, representing the needs of the extraction department.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, equipment, and methodologies to enhance extraction capabilities and reduce operational costs.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory auditors and inspectors during facility visits concerning the extraction lab.
  • Assist in the hiring and onboarding process for new Extraction Technicians, ensuring they are adequately trained and integrated into the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Extraction Methodologies: Expert-level knowledge of various extraction techniques, such as supercritical CO2, hydrocarbon (BHO/PHO), and ethanol-based systems.
  • Post-Processing Expertise: Proficiency in refinement techniques including winterization, distillation (short path/wiped film), and chromatography for product purification.
  • Analytical Equipment: Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation, particularly High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), for potency and purity testing.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of state-specific cannabis regulations, as well as federal standards like GMP, OSHA, and EPA guidelines.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Proficiency with seed-to-sale tracking software (METRC, BioTrackTHC) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting, maintaining, and calibrating complex laboratory and industrial equipment.
  • Data Logging & Analysis: Skill in maintaining accurate batch records and using data to analyze process performance and drive improvements.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse team to achieve high performance and professional growth.
  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to rapidly identify and resolve operational and technical challenges.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to all tasks, ensuring accuracy in processes, data entry, and compliance documentation.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clearly conveying instructions, reporting on performance, and collaborating across departments.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and rapidly evolving industry environment.
  • Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, oversee complex schedules, and meet tight production deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with significant direct experience in a professional extraction environment.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or advanced degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry / Organic Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biology / Biochemistry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of progressive experience in a commercial or industrial extraction facility (cannabis, hemp, or nutraceutical). A minimum of 1-2 years in a supervisory or lead technician role is strongly required.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a large-scale, cGMP-compliant manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record of scaling up extraction processes and improving operational KPIs (yield, throughput, cost).
  • Direct experience managing a team of 5 or more technicians.
Explore More Careers