Director of Cultivation

Essential Functions:

• Observe all safety practices and guidelines while executing tasks 
• Demonstrate consistent, reliable attendance and punctuality to maintain daily operations and team effectiveness
• Define production goals, schedules, and KPIs in alignment with company objectives.
• Understand and effectively communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to team
• Develop and maintain schedules and quality control measures
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and SOPs
• Directly oversee the Veg Manager, Flower Manager, Plant Health Manager, Harvest Manager, Post-Harvest Manager, and R&D Manager
• Manage cultivation operations within the approved department budget
• Achieve full proficiency in understanding and operating climate control, fertigation, and IPM equipment
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning
• Using current and approved SOPs, train, coach, and hold employees accountable for attaining Revolution Quality Standards
• Communicate all required operating information correctly and timely to site peers and leadership
• Support and guide departmental managers in executing their daily operations and long-term planning
• Develop and implement cultivation strategies that maximize yield, quality, and efficiency while maintaining compliance with regulations
• Promote collaboration across departments to ensure seamless transitions between lifecycle stages
• Monitor plant health data and work with the Plant Health Manager to troubleshoot and proactively address issues
• Drive continuous improvement in environmental controls, nutrient protocols, and overall plant performance
• Ensure post-harvest processes preserve cannabinoid and terpene profiles while meeting product quality standards
• Ensure that the cultivation technicians and department stay current with all applicable licensing as well as all required record retention
• Analyze data on yields, cycle times, plant losses, labor productivity, etc., to improve future performance
• Direct and plan workflow(s) based on labor/time and automation constraints
• Identify, report and correct potential plant health deficiencies
• Accurately record data and observations using Biotrack, Metrc, and/or Cannabis365 operating systems as required
• Provide ongoing mentorship and training to department managers and staff
• Follow all rules of conduct regarding proprietary information and processes 
• Follow all safety and PPE guidelines according to OSHA, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and product label standards
• Ensure the safety, reliability, and maintenance of all equipment
• All other duties as assigned

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Entomology, or related field; OR equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in large-scale cannabis cultivation, with at least 3 years in a management or director-level role
• Deep understanding of plant biology, environmental controls, fertigation, IPM, and post-harvest handling

Required or Preferred Skills, Abilities, Licensures and Certifications:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, formal or informal
• Demonstrated ability to educate others on standard processes
• Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to biosecurity measures/regulations
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills with a track record of managing multi-level teams
• Pest identification and appropriate responses to manage them within cultivation and in accordance with IDOA and product standards
• General knowledge of plant nutrition, soil science, irrigation, and pest management
• Ability to solve problems effectively and identify solutions quickly on your feet
• Demonstrated ability to record data accurately
• Strong knowledge of compliance requirements and industry best practices preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with various audiences, including supervisors, upper management, and regulatory agencies.
• Experienced in Office suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

Additional Requirements:

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must possess valid state ID.
• Ability to obtain and maintain IDOA pesticide applicator's license.
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements to work in in cannabis industry (requires background check and state review).

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to chemicals and air contaminants
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including ability to lift up to 50lbs, standing for extended periods, and working within confined spaces
• Must be able to tolerate strong smells and temperature variations
• Must be able maintain body equilibrium while climbing ladders, stairways, stopping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching, and use hands/fingers to hold, grasp, turn, pick, pinch frequently/constantly to complete tasks 
• Frequent sitting and/or standing and walking, which may be required for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
• Must be able to wear PPE as appropriate (eye, face, hand, arm, head, foot, body, fall protection, respirators, Tyvek suits), and able to be exposed to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions while wearing PPE (95 degrees or greater) 
• Must have visual acuity with/without job aids to perform activities such as; reading, viewing a computer terminal, visual inspection involving small parts/details. Clarity of vision at 20 ft or more in day and night/dark conditions 
• Must be able to speak and communicate verbally at conversation levels with co-workers, vendors, etc. (Moderate noise) 

Work Schedule:

• 40+ hours weekly with flexible hours depending on department needs.
• Must be available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation/Benefits Insights