Manufacturing Lead

East Fork Cultivars is a farm-focused cannabis and hemp company, with headquarters in the picturesque Illinois River Valley in Takilma, Oregon, and a satellite office in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2015, East Fork strives to develop and preserve sustainable, sun-grown farming methods in order to produce high-quality, genetically diverse, CBD-rich cultivars while maintaining a resolute commitment to environmental responsibility, science-based education, and social justice. East Fork is seeking a talented, passionate and self-directed Fulfillment Specialist to join our team. This position is an in-person role and located in Portland, Oregon.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Team Lead oversees the value-added products program at East Fork Cultivars and manages its manufacturing facility in NE Portland. Responsibilities include team management, inventory management, supplier and vendor management, production, packaging, labeling, process refinement, and participation in East Fork’s leadership team. Strong candidates for the position find joy in improving processes, solving puzzles, and making high-quality products. The role requires both collaborative and independent work, with a balance of dynamic and repetitive tasks.

We especially encourage application by candidates who have been personally impacted by cannabis prohibition:

  • Legally - eg, through arrest and/or incarceration of the candidate or close family member - and/or

  • As part of the communities that have been disproportionately targeted by cannabis prohibition enforcement.


To apply

Submit your application by 4/14/23

Please include:

  • Your resume

  • A brief “cover letter” in the body of the email explaining in a few paragraphs why you think you’d be an excellent fit for the position. Candidates who have been personally impacted by cannabis prohibition are encouraged to identify as such and include further information regarding your experiences.

  • Three professional references

  • Your start date availability

Legal Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age

  • Must be legally able to work in the U.S.

  • Must possess or be able to obtain an OLCC Marijuana Worker Permit

  • Must possess or be able to obtain a food handler permit

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

  • Five years relevant professional experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Strong communication skills and a healthy sense of humor

  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to multitask and focus under noisy conditions

  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

  • This position requires the use of the following software: Metrc, Slack, Trello, Google Workspace

Outcomes (in order of priority):

  1. Lead and manage the Manufacturing Team

  2. Participate in East Fork’s Leadership Team to further the success of the organization

  3. Oversee production schedules as set by the Manufacturing Executive to maintain target inventory levels

  4. Support Extraction Specialist in operating extraction equipment

  5. Produce, package, and label products

  6. Maintain an accurate inventory of finished products, ingredients, and packaging

  7. Manage relationships with vendors; place orders for ingredients and supplies

  8. Continually refine and improve processes to increase efficiency and lower production costs

  9. Maintain and clean workspaces, equipment, and tools

  10. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (both OLCC and ODA)

  11. Work closely with the Manufacturing Executive to implement new initiatives and third-party certifications

  12. Work closely with the Product and Services, Operations, and Sales Teams to maintain strategic alignment

  13. Support other team members as needed

Role Competencies (in order of priority):

  • Organization / Planning: Exhibits strong personal organization, communication, attention to detail, and planning skills.

  • Resourcefulness: Able to find ways to get over, around, under, or through barriers. Understands constraints and asks for help when needed. Uses creativity to create value.

  • Coaching: Facilitates learning and development.

  • Energy: Perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time with a keen attention to detail and quality while maintaining a good pace. Brings a positive spirit to the workplace.

  • Adaptable: Works efficiently both individually or with a team. Switches tasks and roles easily. Provides flexibility for team members.

  • Team Player: Encourages and facilitates cooperation and trust. Fosters team spirit, commitment, and group identity. Works with others to achieve shared goals.

  • Written Communication: Possesses the ability to articulate a written message in a clear and compelling manner.

Work schedule, relationships, and culture

  • Schedule: The Manufacturing Team Lead should average 40 hours per week. While hours may be flexible depending on season and need, the Manufacturing Team Lead is expected to be generally available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F.

  • Relationships: The Manufacturing Team Lead will work closely with the Manufacturing Team, Manufacturing Executive, COO, and the Leadership Team.

  • Travel: This position requires minimal travel, but is encouraged to participate in our annual all-team gathering at our farm in Southern Oregon.

  • Culture: All team members are expected to participate in East Fork’s culture of continual improvement and to be flexible to the constant changes of a dynamic business and industry.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual salary: $46,500/year

  • Paid vacation: 4 weeks (flexible guideline, to be coordinated with team)

  • Paid sick time: 40 hours per year

  • Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day

  • Health insurance: Partially subsidized plan

  • Dental insurance: Fully subsidized plan

  • Retirement savings: East Fork administers a retirement savings plan through OregonSaves