Lead Budtender

About Flame & Flora
Flame & Flora is Minnesota’s first sovereign, deli‑style cannabis retail store. We are more than a dispensary. We are an experience rooted in education, hospitality, and community. Customers will see, smell, and learn about cannabis before purchasing, guided by knowledgeable staff who provide thoughtful recommendations based on individual needs. The Lead Budtender plays a key role in ensuring that this mission comes to life on the sales floor every single day.

As Lead Budtender, you will be the bridge between management and the budtender team. You are both a cannabis expert and a team leader, responsible for setting the tone on the floor, mentoring your teammates, and ensuring daily operations run smoothly. You will step in to assist customers directly, lead by example in product education, and act as a point of support when managers are not present.

This role is ideal for someone who loves cannabis, thrives on leadership, and is ready to help build Flame & Flora into Minnesota’s premier cannabis retail experience.

• a key holder with responsibility for opening and closing the store.
• Oversee cash handling, including drops, counts, and preparing change.
• Manage shift flow by scheduling and communicating breaks and coverage.
• Act as the communication link between bud tenders and management.
• Support online menu updates and catch errors before they reach customers.
• Ensure the sales floor is organized, professional, and aligned with Flame & Flora standards.

• Create a welcoming, customer‑first environment rooted in honesty and care.
• Guide customers through the deli‑style experience of selecting flower, emphasizing terpenes, aromas, effects, and overall quality rather than potency alone.
• Provide thoughtful education about product categories, dosing, consumption methods, and wellness applications.
• Build trust and repeat business through positive customer relationships and our loyalty program.
• Step in as a budtender when needed, providing the same high‑level service and education you expect from the team.

• Ensure all transactions and s meet Tribal ordinances and Compact regulations.
• Handle daily operational tasks with accuracy, confidentiality, and timeliness.
• Monitor inventory and support management in maintaining accurate records.
• Promote a safe, compliant, and respectful work environment.

• Supervise bud tenders when management is absent.
• Mentor newer team members to grow their cannabis knowledge and customer service skills.
• Provide coaching and feedback to help teammates meet performance and compliance expectations.
• Address conflicts or issues on the floor with fairness and professionalism.
• Represent management in daily operations while fostering team cohesion and morale.

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of retail customer service experience.
• Passion for cannabis and genuine desire to educate customers.
• Proficiency with POS systems and basic computer skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check.

• Cannabis retail or regulated‑industry leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of cannabis, including terpenes, cultivation methods, and product quality.
• Experience mentoring or training staff.

• Deep cannabis knowledge and ability to share it in accessible ways.
• Leadership skills that inspire and support the team.
• Strong communication and customer service abilities.
• Multitasking and time management skills to balance customer support and operations.
• Decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, especially when management is not present.
• Ability to build strong relationships with customers, staff, and vendors.

• Ability to stand and remain active for long shifts.
• Comfort lifting up to 50 pounds and staying energized during busy days.
• Ability to adapt to a retail environment with varying noise and pace.

This is more than a job. As Lead Budtender, you will help define what cannabis retail looks like in Minnesota by setting the standard for education, hospitality, and culture. You will be part of SMSC’s first sovereign cannabis retail store and play a critical role in mentoring a team, shaping customer experiences, and creating a store environment that reflects both quality and tradition.