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Dispensary Associate Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Benefits/Incentive Information Vision Associates is the nation's leading optical dispensary management & consulting company. Our mission is provide the highest level of service and integrity. Our ...

Benefits/Incentive Information Vision Associates is the nation's leading optical dispensary management & consulting company. Our mission is provide the highest level of service and integrity. Our ...

Benefits/Incentive Information Vision Associates is the nation's leading optical dispensary management & consulting company. Our mission is provide the highest level of service and integrity. Our ...

Showing results 41-60

Dispensary Associate information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do dispensary associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for dispensary associate in Rutherford, NJ is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dispensary associate?

Dispensary Associates are frontline staff members who assist customers in cannabis dispensaries. Their responsibilities include greeting customers, checking IDs for age verification, providing product recommendations, answering questions about cannabis products, and processing sales transactions. They must have strong knowledge of product offerings, state regulations, and safety protocols. Dispensary Associates also help keep the store organized, maintain inventory, and ensure a welcoming environment. Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dispensary associate?

To thrive as a Dispensary Associate, you need knowledge of cannabis products, strong customer service skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and compliance tracking tools is usually required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a friendly attitude help associates build trust with customers and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills are crucial for providing safe, informed product recommendations and maintaining the operational integrity of the dispensary.

What are some common challenges dispensary associates face when working with customers, and how can they be addressed?

Dispensary Associates often encounter challenges such as educating customers who are new to cannabis, managing high-volume periods, and ensuring compliance with strict regulations. Addressing these challenges involves staying up-to-date on product knowledge, practicing clear and patient communication, and following all legal protocols closely. Working as part of a supportive team and participating in regular training can help Associates handle these situations confidently and provide a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Dispensary Associate vs Budtender?

AspectDispensary AssociateBudtender
CredentialsBasic knowledge of cannabis products, possibly state-specific certificationSimilar credentials, often with additional product knowledge or customer service skills
Work EnvironmentRetail cannabis store, assisting customers, handling transactionsCustomer-facing role, providing product recommendations and education
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in retail cannabis dispensariesOften used interchangeably with Dispensary Associate, sometimes emphasizing customer interaction

Both roles involve working in retail cannabis stores, assisting customers, and handling sales. While Dispensary Associates focus on general support and transaction duties, Budtenders typically provide more in-depth product advice and education. The terms are often used interchangeably, but Budtender may imply a higher level of product knowledge and customer engagement.

How to qualify to work at a dispensary associate?

To qualify as a dispensary associate, candidates typically need to be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on local laws, and pass a background check. Some states require completion of a training program or certification related to responsible cannabis handling and sales. Good customer service skills and knowledge of products are also important qualifications.

Is it hard to get a job at a dispensary?

Getting a dispensary associate position can vary in difficulty depending on location, experience, and local regulations. Candidates often need customer service skills, knowledge of cannabis products, and sometimes a background check or certification. Competition may be moderate, but having relevant experience can improve chances of employment.

What disqualifies you from working at a dispensary?

Dispensary associates are typically disqualified if they have a criminal record involving drug offenses, theft, or violence, or if they fail background checks required by state regulations. Additionally, a lack of proper identification, failure to obtain necessary licensing or certifications, or a history of substance abuse can disqualify candidates from working in a dispensary environment.

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Dispensary Associate jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Dispensary Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Dispensary Associate job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,130 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Manufacturing Support Supervisor

Novartis

Morris Plains, NJ • On-site

$88K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Novartis rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Summary

The Manufacturing Support Supervisor is responsible for the Work Cell daily operations, specifically to direct and manage operations related to the dispensary area responsibilities, inventory management, Apheresis Receipt, Final Product Packaging (FPP), Dispensary, Document Issuance and other duties required to support the core functions. The supervisor ensures the schedule adherence of value stream support tasks with a focus on safety, high quality, compliance, efficiency, and in a cost effective manner.
This role is located on-site in Morris Plains, NJ. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
Location: Morris Plains #onsite
Shift: 1st shift Monday-Friday, however shift subject to change


Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensures the Work Cell achieves targets for Quality, Safety and Productivity
  • Lead and facilitate daily Work Cell meeting
  • Administering schedule and personnel adjustments as necessary to properly staff the Dispensary, Document Issuance and APH/Pack processes across all shifts
  • Maintains an “audit ready” areas. Assist with internal pre-audits walkthroughs, CGMP housekeeping and general organization and upkeep of manufacturing spaces
  • Maintains a controlled inventory by ensuring all manufacturing Associates understand impact of material accuracy and leading monthly cycle counts to reconcile potential issues
  • Maintaining a daily physical presence with direct reports on and off the shop floor to supervise, coach, and support while ensuring Associates are demonstrating the proper GMP behaviors
  • Responsible for successful on time completion of required training curriculum comprising of the necessary Global Operating Procedures (GOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of his/her team
  • Adhere to all SOPs, cGMPs, and safety rules and regulations and ensure Associates are executing tasks per approved policies and applicable procedures
  • Possesses basic technical knowledge and background for value stream support related responsibilities (kitting, materials management, material flow, Apheresis receipt, and FPP)
  • Proficient in the use of production related IT systems such as SAP, LIMS, MES, Cell Chain, ESOPs, AGILE, 1QEM
  • Coordinate, monitor, and improve production process in conjunction with Manufacturing Team and Operational Excellence Program (OpEx)
  • Supports quality events to facilitate fast and robust resolutions, and in accordance with set due dates

Essential Requirements:

  • Bachelors' Degree, preferably in Life Sciences, chemistry, or related relevant degree preferred. In lieu of degree, at least 4 years of equivalent experience in pharma manufacturing operations considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of cGMP manufacturing experience required, with supply chain or logistics experience highly desirable
  • At least 1 year of lead/supervisor experience preferred
  • Proven process understanding (Pharma, GMP, Regulatory aspects).
  • Project management, Operational Excellence, Product/Process Development or Regulatory experience a plus

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $88,000 and $132,000 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers who are focused on building and advancing a culture of inclusion that values and celebrates individual differences, uniqueness, backgrounds and perspectives. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us and connects us to the patients, customers and communities we serve.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$88,000.00 - $132,000.00


Skills Desired

Change Control, Chemical Engineering, Continual Improvement Process, Efficiency, Employment Discrimination, Flexibility, General Hse Knowledge, Good Documentation Practice, Knowledge Of Capa, Knowledge Of Gmp, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Process, Manufacturing Production, Physics, Process Control, Production Line, Productivity, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Scheduler, Technology Transfer, Well-Being

What Novartis employees say

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