Lead Packaging Technician

Iowa Cannabis Company is a leading medical cannabis provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, consistent, and safe cannabis products to patients across Iowa. With three medical dispensaries and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Iowa City, we are committed to innovation, regulatory excellence, and community wellness.

This role is ideal for someone who is reliable, detail-oriented, and ready to take on a leadership position within our cannabis processing facility. As the Lead Packaging Technician, you’ll oversee daily packaging operations, assist with inventory control, support regulatory compliance, and guide a team of packaging staff in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Supervision

• Oversee day-to-day packaging and extraction activities, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with SOPs.
• Provide direction and support to team members during shifts; escalate issues to management as needed.
• Ensure proper use, cleaning, and basic maintenance of production equipment.

Fulfillment & Logistics Support

• Coordinate the preparation and delivery of finished goods to retail and wholesale partners under the direction of management.
• Generate and review shipping manifests to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Inventory & Materials Handling

• Monitor supply levels for packaging materials and finished goods; alert procurement or management when restocking is needed.
• Assist in receiving inventory, managing stockrooms, and ensuring product accuracy and organization.

Labeling & Regulatory Compliance

• Print and apply compliant labels per Iowa and Oregon cannabis regulations; verify label accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow procedures to support audit readiness.

Cross-Location & Retail Support

• Assist with packaging needs at the Oregon retail location, including label delivery and presentation support.
• Help ensure standardized product presentation across multiple sites.

Safety, Cleanliness & Quality Control

• Promote and follow OSHA and company safety standards; conduct routine checks of work areas and equipment.
• Perform quality control checks for weight, sealing, and labeling accuracy; report and correct issues promptly.

Process Efficiency & Reporting

• Identify workflow issues or delays and recommend improvements to supervisors or managers.
• Communicate status updates, discrepancies, and team needs to leadership regularly.

Extraction Assistance

• Support extraction processes by preparing biomass, operating equipment, and packaging concentrate products and vape cartridges.
• Assist with lab equipment cleaning and maintain a clean, organized production environment.

Working Conditions:

• Work duties may require sedentary activities, active standing, stooping and/or kneeling. 
• The production facility operates 365 days a year with shifts typically occurring between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.  Job responsibilities occasionally fall outside of typical shifts. 
• The production facility may have strong odors and varying temperatures due to the cultivation and processing of cannabis.
• Employees may be required to work in confined spaces, such as plant growing areas or extraction rooms.
• Exposure to potential allergens, such as pollen or plant materials.
• The use of chemicals and pesticides is common in a cannabis production facility, which may require employees to follow strict safety protocols and wear PPE.
• Noise levels in the facility may be loud due to equipment or machinery operations.
• The facility has strict security measures, including video surveillance and restricted access, to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent theft.
• Regular cleaning and sanitization of the work area required to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Able to work in low oxygen areas.

Minimum Requirements:

• Regularly lift up to 50 lbs; occasionally lift up to 200 lbs with assistance
• Perform frequent bending, reaching, and carrying of heavy items
• Stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift)
• Operate computers, tablets, and related productivity equipment proficiently
• Remain in designated work areas for up to 8 hours, excluding legally mandated breaks
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred
• 1-3 years of experience in packaging, manufacturing, or a regulated production environment (cannabis experience a plus)
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow SOP’s and regulatory requirements
• Working knowledge of packaging equipment, labeling systems and safety protocols
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and comfortable with digital record-keeping
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 200 lbs occasionally with assistance
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record
• Must remain compliant with all applicable cannabis industry regulations

Benefits and Compensation:

• Pay rate between $17.00 - $24.04/hr.
• Employee discount includes 50% for Iowa medical cannabis card holders
• Perfect attendance incentive program.
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance. 
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Paid Sick Leave (PSL).
• Holiday Pay for anyone working New Years Day, 4/20, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Iowa Cannabis Company is an equal opportunity employer that believes in promoting a diverse workplace and creating a working environment in which all employees are provided with equal employment opportunities. The company will not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any term or condition of employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other protected class or characteristic established under applicable federal, state or local statute or ordinance.

On May 12, 2017, Governor Terry Branstad signed House File 524 into law, allowing use of medical cannabidiol to treat certain debilitating medical conditions. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health: "The Act provides that a person recommend, possess, use, dispense, deliver, transport, or administer cannabidiol if the recommendation, possession, use, dispensing, delivery, transporting, or administering is in accordance with chapter 124E of the Iowa Code."  This law also allows patients and designated primary caregivers to possess cannabidiol and requires the recommendation of a board certified physician.