Lead Budtender

Essential Employment Services • Norwich, CT

4d

About The Position

The Lead Budtender works under the direct supervision of the Store Management team and helps ensure patients and customers receive high-quality, respectful service. The role leads by example, supports and motivates team members, and helps the dispensary operate efficiently, productively, and accurately. Responsibilities include key-holder duties, supporting staff training, cash handling, inventory and restocking, customer assistance, and adherence to cannabis regulations and product-handling standards.

This position is in a dynamic retail environment and may require evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed. It involves standing for extended periods, walking throughout the dispensary, lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, reaching, bending, squatting, and occasionally using a ladder or step stool. The role also requires manual dexterity, clear vision and hearing, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Essential Employment Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and to providing equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old, as required by state law.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience working in a dispensary or in a customer service role within the cannabis industry.
• Strong understanding of cannabis products, strains, consumption methods, and their effects, with the ability to educate customers and team members.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service, resolve issues professionally, and create a welcoming environment for patients and customers.
• Ability to lead by example, motivate team members, and help ensure efficient dispensary operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively with customers, team members, and management.
• Understanding of and adherence to local and state cannabis laws and regulations, including ID verification and product compliance.
• Ability to keep the dispensary organized, handle multiple tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Experience operating a point-of-sale system and accurately handling cash, debit, and credit transactions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with budtenders and dispensary management.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to handle customer complaints or issues professionally and with authority while maintaining a positive environment.
• Ability to handle products accurately and maintain labeling and inventory in accordance with compliance standards.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk around the dispensary during the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to reach, bend, and squat to access products and supplies.
• Manual dexterity to handle transactions and inventory, open and close containers or packaging, label products, and operate a point-of-sale system.
• Ability to occasionally use ladders or step stools to access high shelves.
• Good vision to read labels and process transactions, and good hearing to communicate in a busy environment.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-energy environment and fluctuating customer flow.

Nice To Haves

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key holder by opening and/or closing the dispensary.
• Assist the Store Management team with training Personal Service Providers and ensure dispensing and payment processing are compliant and accurate.
• Prepare register drawers; close and reconcile cash and debit transactions; prepare daily bank deposits; and count and record daily cash tips.
• Participate in store inventory management and restocking as directed by the Inventory Lead.
• Assist the Store Manager in coordinating staff break schedules to maximize customer support during busy periods.
• Troubleshoot customer service issues professionally and with authority.
• Ensure products are accurately labeled and stored according to regulatory compliance standards.
• Assist customers with product selection and provide recommendations based on their preferences.
• Educate customers on strains, products, and consumption methods.
• Process sales transactions and handle cash and credit card payments.
• Stay up to date on new products, strains, and industry trends.
• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a welcoming team environment.
• Participate in ongoing education and professional development as needed.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed