Company Description
NorthEast Extracts (NEX) is a cannabis company based in Penn Yan, NY, focused on quality, community, and progress. NEX cultivates, extracts, manufactures, and distributes premium cannabis products with a commitment to exceptional customer experiences and diversity. The company partners with industry leaders and minority-owned brands to shape the cannabis landscape and promote a thriving and sustainable market in New York.
Role Description
The Kitchen Production Assistant is responsible for supporting all aspects of the production process, including the preparation, cooking, and packaging of cannabis-infused edibles (such as gummies, chocolates, or baked goods). The role requires strict adherence to health and safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and state cannabis regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a food production or manufacturing environment, with a strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Key Responsibilities
- Ingredient Preparation
- Measure and weigh raw ingredients (e.g., cannabis extracts, flavorings, sweeteners) according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and recipes.
- Ensure accurate and precise dosing of cannabis oil, distillates, or other cannabis concentrates to meet compliance requirements.
- Assist with preparing molds, trays, and equipment for production runs.
- Production Operations
- Assist in the cooking, mixing, and infusing of cannabis into edible products such as gummies, chocolates, or other confections, following detailed recipes and processes.
- Operate kitchen equipment such as mixers, ovens, stovetops, and other commercial cooking machinery in a safe and efficient manner.
- Maintain accurate records of production batches, including ingredient usage, temperature logs, and timing, to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Quality Control & Compliance
- Follow strict quality control guidelines, ensuring products meet defined specifications for potency, flavor, consistency, and appearance.
- Assist in performing quality checks on finished products, including texture, color, and weight, to ensure consistency and compliance with SOPs.
- Package and label edibles with all required compliance information (e.g., batch numbers, potency, THC/CBD levels) according to state regulations.
- Sanitation & Safety
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, including cleaning and sanitizing all work surfaces, equipment, and utensils before, during, and after production.
- Follow all health and safety guidelines, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hairnets, gloves, and aprons, to prevent contamination.
- Ensure that all workspaces are compliant with local health codes and cannabis regulatory requirements, including proper waste disposal of cannabis materials.
- Inventory Management
- Assist with inventory management, including tracking ingredients, packaging materials, and other supplies to ensure the kitchen is adequately stocked.
- Properly store raw materials and finished goods in temperature-controlled environments as necessary to preserve product quality and potency.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with the Production Manager, Head Chef, and other kitchen staff to coordinate production schedules and meet daily production goals.
- Communicate effectively with team members to report any issues with equipment, ingredients, or processes, and assist in troubleshooting as needed.
- Additional Duties
- Assist with product packaging, labeling, and preparation for shipment to dispensaries or distributors.
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Production Manager to ensure smooth operations of the facility.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Culinary training or experience in a food production or production, ideally in a regulated environment such as cannabis, alcohol, or pharmaceuticals.
- Attention to detail and quality standards
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), or similar food safety standards is preferred.
- Basic math and measuring skills for ingredient preparation and dosing.
- Familiarity with cannabis-infused edible production and proper dosing techniques is a plus, but not required.
- Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a background check in accordance with New York State cannabis regulations.
- Customer Service and Teamwork skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow complex recipes and procedures accurately.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment, meeting daily production targets.
- Team-oriented mindset with strong communication skills and a positive attitude.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs (e.g., ingredients, packaging materials)
- Frequent use of hands for handling ingredients and equipment
- Exposure to various temperatures, including hot surfaces and ovens, as well as cold storage environments.