Lead Cultivation Associate - Nursery

At Curaleaf, we’re redefining the cannabis industry with a strong commitment to quality, expertise, and innovation. As a leading global cannabis provider, our brands—including Curaleaf, Select, and Grassroots—offer premium products and services in both medical and adult-use markets.

Join us at Curaleaf to be part of a high-growth, purpose-driven company that champions corporate social responsibility through our Rooted in Good initiative, supporting community outreach and positive change. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, drive innovation, and help shape the future of cannabis.

Title: Lead Cultivation Associate 
Pay Rate: $20.00  - 22.50/hr 
Location: Biddeford, ME
Job Type: Full Time | Non-Exempt 
Shift: Monday - Friday | 7:30am - 4:00pm

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Lead Cultivation Associate is responsible for leading a team of hourly employees in vegetative garden cultivation operations with a continuous focus on compliance, safety accountability, product integrity, team productivity and cost.  Support additional department operations, which include but are not limited to mother plant care, cloning, inventory control and supporting the flower garden as required.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead a team of Cultivation Associates in the performance of cultivation tasks such as watering, feeding, defoliating, transplanting, organizing, cleaning cultivation spaces and operator-level maintenance in the vegetative garden space. 

• Co-lead and support additional department functions such as sanitation, room preparation, mother plant care, cloning, etc. 

• Care for cannabis plants via transplanting, pruning and fertilizing with oversight from Cultivation management. 

• Lead and pace the team to ensure adherence to the grow plan and schedule. 

• Ensure product integrity; making sure plant quality is maintained while being cloned, grown and harvested. 

• Safely handle and apply sanitizing, foliar and preventative chemical sprays. 

• Perform daily audits of garden rooms to maintain optimal growing conditions. 

• Monitor/report problems with lighting, HVAC, CO2, irrigation and air flow systems. 

• Monitor humidity/temperature levels and report readings that are out of tolerance. 

• Perform pest inspection and mitigation activities to prevent/remediate mold, powdery mildew, spider mites, root aphids, fungus gnats, etc. 

• Maintain the correct plant structure and level of foliage to allow for proper airflow and light penetration by removing leaves strategically per schedule. 

• Measure and dispose of plant waste in accordance with state regulations. 

• Support department core metrics (quantity, quality, and productivity objectives). 

• Measure planned versus actual performance on an hourly cadence. 

• Utilize and maintain production data files, records, and reports such as the Daily Hour-by-Hour Tracker, load plans, grow schedules, and plant inventory. 

• Support tracking and recordkeeping functions with the state seed-to-sale e-system MJ Freeway remaining in compliance with DOH rules and regulations. 

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) for all operations, ensuring adherence to company and regulatory compliance (proper weighing, data recording, product tracking, security, green waste disposal, etc. 

• Train and coach team members in accordance with SOP. 

• Remain engaged with department continuous improvement and occupational safety initiatives such as the 5S program and Hazard Communication. 

• Hold self and others accountable at all times. 

• Assist management with cultivation scheduling and resource planning (labor, consumables) daily/weekly/monthly. 

• Support the 5S program and Sanitation Schedules. Serve as a team champion for sanitation and bio-security. 

• Pass on key communications from management and keep the team informed. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 1-year relevant experience with team leadership  

• One year of relevant experience in team leadership within a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting (e.g., growing, harvesting, etc.) is preferred. 

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) required. 

• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both verbal and written. 

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to precision and accuracy. 

• Proven work ethic, with a focus on productivity and quality. 

• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new operational processes and techniques. 

• Knowledge of basic weight and measurement concepts; skilled in operating various scales and meters. 

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities. 

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks efficiently. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in sensitive work situations. 

• Exceptional focus and attention to detail in all tasks and activities. 

• Clear and calm communicator, able to handle difficult situations with professionalism. 

• Proficient in using computers, web browsers, and Google Apps. 

• Ability to remain composed and effective during periods of high stress or unusual activity. 

• Demonstrated reliability and honesty, with a strong sense of integrity and accountability. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1 year of experience in a commercial cannabis, agricultural, or landscaping setting preferred (growing, harvesting, etc.). 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time (8-10 hours per shift) 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance 
• Frequent and repetitive use of hands and wrists for extended periods of time 
• Repetitive bending, squatting, and reaching 
• Ability to climb ladders or step stools to access plants or equipment 
• Ability to use required PPE when required, such as masks, hair nets, beard covers, respirators, boot covers, scrubs, non-slip shoes, and Tyvek suits as necessary 

Environmental Conditions 

• Exposure to environments with high humidity, varying temperatures, and strong odors (such as cannabis) 
• Exposure to soil, water, fertilizer, dust, pollen and plant pathogens 
• Exposure to cleaning solvents, such as high volumes of isopropyl alcohol 
• Exposure to loud noises, including but not limited to air compressors, packaging equipment, and alarms 
• Exposure to CO2 manufacturing procedures at OSHA approved CO2 levels 

Curaleaf Pay Transparency$20—$22.50 USD

What We Offer:

• Career Growth Opportunities
• Competitive Pay and Benefits
• Generous PTO and Parental Leave
• 401(K) Retirement Plan
• Life/ Disability Insurance
• Community Involvement
• Referral Bonuses and Product Discounts

Benefits vary by state, role type, and eligibility.  

Follow us on Social Media: 
Instagram: @curaleaf.usa
Twitter: @Curaleaf_Inc
LinkedIn: Curaleaf LinkedIn

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing, and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company, and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, Find, and Anthem provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. Curaleaf International is powered by a strong presence in all stages of the supply chain. Its unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Home | Curaleaf | Cannabis with Confidence

Our Vision: To be the world's leading cannabis company by consistently delivering superior products and services and driving the global acceptance of cannabis. 

Our Values:

• Lead and Inspire.  
• Commit to Win.  
• ONE Curaleaf.  
• Driven to Deliver Excellence.  

Curaleaf is an equal opportunity employer. Curaleaf recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Individuals adversely impacted by the war on drugs are encouraged to apply.

Current Curaleaf employees should apply for open positions through our Internal Job Board, which can be accessed via the link on The Leaf. 

*Please note that U.S. immigration rules and regulations are governed by federal law; not state law.  Although Curaleaf operates in states that have legalized and decriminalized marijuana, it is still considered a controlled substance under federal regulations and thus illegal under federal law. For this reason, unless and until federal law changes, Curaleaf is prohibited from offering sponsorship for any non-immigrant or immigrant visas. 

*Please also note that while candidates who are Lawful Permanent Residents (such as those with Green Cards) are eligible for employment with, and are hired by Curaleaf, working for a company engaged in a business that grows and sells a product that is illegal under federal law might compromise the candidate’s immigration status. Before a Lawful Permanent Resident accepts an offer of employment, Curaleaf recommends that the candidate seek the advice of an immigration lawyer.