Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Extraction Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

ManufacturingLaboratoryScienceCannabis IndustrySkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

As an Extraction Technician, you are the cornerstone of our production process, responsible for the hands-on transformation of botanical biomass into high-quality crude oil, distillates, and isolates. This position requires a deep understanding of scientific principles, mechanical aptitude, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain sophisticated extraction equipment, meticulously follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within our state-of-the-art facility. Your work directly impacts product integrity, production efficiency, and the overall success of our brand.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

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

Advancement To:

  • Lead Extraction Technician
  • Extraction Manager or Supervisor
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Formulation Scientist

Lateral Moves:

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

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced extraction equipment, including supercritical CO2, ethanol, and/or hydrocarbon extraction systems, to ensure continuous and efficient production cycles.
  • Execute all post-extraction refinement processes with precision, including winterization, filtration, solvent recovery, decarboxylation, and short-path/wiped-film distillation.
  • Meticulously document all production activities in detailed batch records, equipment logs, and digital seed-to-sale tracking systems (e.g., METRC, BioTrack) in strict compliance with state regulations.
  • Handle and manage large quantities of raw plant material and hazardous solvents, adhering to all safety protocols and proper handling procedures.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of all laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Prepare biomass for extraction by grinding, packing columns, and accurately recording weights and metrics.
  • Monitor extraction and distillation processes in real-time, making necessary adjustments to parameters like temperature, pressure, and flow rates to optimize for yield and purity.
  • Conduct in-process quality control checks and collect samples for third-party lab testing, ensuring all products meet stringent quality and purity specifications.
  • Manage and maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and company standards.
  • Assist in the development, optimization, and validation of new and existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for extraction and refinement.
  • Weigh, package, and label finished extracts and distillates accurately for inventory management and downstream production.
  • Strictly adhere to all safety data sheets (SDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and the team.
  • Collaborate with the Lab Manager and other technicians to plan daily and weekly production schedules to meet output goals.
  • Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and operational issues efficiently to minimize downtime and production delays.
  • Manage inventory levels of processing materials, solvents, and other laboratory consumables, placing orders as needed.
  • Perform crystallization and isolation techniques to produce high-purity cannabinoid isolates like CBD or THCA.
  • Operate and interpret data from analytical equipment, such as HPLC or GC, for in-house potency and purity analysis.
  • Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, sharing knowledge and providing support to fellow technicians.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings and training sessions to stay current on best practices and regulatory changes.
  • Ensure all waste materials are disposed of properly and in accordance with environmental and state-specific regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to yield optimization and process efficiency.
  • Contribute to the organization's goals for process improvement and new product development.
  • Collaborate with the cultivation and product formulation teams to ensure seamless workflow and consistent product quality.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if applicable to the production workflow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Extraction Methodologies: Proficient in at least one primary extraction method (Supercritical CO2, Ethanol, or Hydrocarbon BHO/PHO).
  • Post-Processing Expertise: Hands-on experience with short-path distillation, wiped-film distillation, winterization, and filtration techniques.
  • GMP/GLP Knowledge: Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and/or Good Laboratory Practices.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform basic equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on pumps, chillers, and extraction vessels.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Experience working within a highly regulated environment and using seed-to-sale tracking software (e.g., METRC).
  • Laboratory Skills: Proficient in proper lab etiquette, precise measurement, sample handling, and data logging.
  • Chemistry Fundamentals: Solid foundational knowledge of chemistry, particularly organic chemistry and separation sciences.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision, accuracy, and consistency in all tasks.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to diagnose and resolve process and equipment issues effectively.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflows in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Safety Conscious: A deep commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to all safety protocols without compromise.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicate clearly, and contribute to a positive work culture.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities, procedures, and production demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry / Organic Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Botany or a related physical science.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory, chemical production, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of direct, professional experience in cannabis or hemp extraction and refinement.
  • Verifiable experience operating and maintaining large-scale extraction and distillation equipment in a commercial setting.
  • Prior experience working in a cGMP-certified facility is a significant advantage.
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