Job Title: Medical Cannabis Program Manager I
FT / PT Status - Full-time
Salary - $34.05 - $56.51
Remote Work / In-Office - Hybrid
Recruiter - Christa Rowland crowlan@utah.gov 801-538-4826
Application Deadline - 7-23-26
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Job Description
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Specialized Products Division is seeking a qualified individual to manage the Medical Cannabis Inspection Program. The incumbent will direct, plan, control, and coordinate the operations of the cannabis inspection team. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing program needs, designing, developing, and implementing new initiatives to meet these needs; establishing program goals, and using a variety of statistical reports and analytical tools to evaluate and control program performance and quality. The incumbent may act as the liaison representing the agency on various interagency committees and task forces which determine program policy and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight and Management
- Manages the statewide medical cannabis program. Determines program goals and objectives and/or chairs committees established to support the program.
- Plans and manages projects and programs related to cannabis inspections. Writes (or discusses) project/program plan(s), recommendation(s), and/or finding(s).
- Develops and coordinates plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision, and expectations of the cannabis program; prepares and updates plans and priorities.
- Develops, evaluates, or reviews plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities within the cannabis program; assesses feasibility of proposals.
- Provide technical assistance or training,
- Provide input on performances.
- Look and report on mileage sheets every month.
- Identify data and information which suggest developing patterns of problems or complaints.
Regulatory and Compliance
- Review all violations & inspection reports.
- Act as Lead supervisor of inspectors for medical cannabis.
- Ensure compliance and develop and maintain effective medical cannabis inspection programs
- Lead or functionally supervise staff;
- Delegate work assignments,
- Monitor/review quality of work, schedule staff, provide technical assistance or training, and/or provide input on performance appraisal, hiring and discipline.
- Functionally supervise staff.
- Monitor/review quality of work and ensure adequate administrative controls, quality, and procedural efficiencies. schedule staff, & delegate work assignments.
- Have inspection scheduled and assigned for the next month.
- Conduct new facility and change in location inspections.
- Conduct compliance inspections, as needed.
Administrative and Operational Support
- Higher-level strategic, administrative, and leadership duties to support program-wide initiatives Cannabis Program.
- Analyze inspection data from prior seasons to identify areas for operational efficiency and compliance improvement
- Strategic Planning - develop and implement a seasonal operational plan for the cannabis inspection program, including staffing, compliance goals, and resource allocation.
- Stakeholder Engagement - pepresent the program in meetings with regulatory partners, industry stakeholders, and legislative contacts.
- Assist with resource management to align with department priorities.
- Team Leadership - provide mentorship and oversight to team leads, implement a structured performance evaluation process, and guide staff development.
- Policy Development - lead the creation or revision of at least one policy or procedure document in response to updated state or federal requirements.
Employee Management
- Supervises subordinate personnel including: hiring, determining workload and delegating assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.
- Approve employee leave and telework schedules.
- Train new employees.
- Conduct monthly employee one-on-ones.
- Conduct quarterly employee goal reviews.
- Conduct annual employee goal reviews.
- Facilitate yearly employee goal development.
- Approve employee timesheets.
Other
- Coordinates projects and ensures adequate administrative controls, quality, and procedural efficiencies.
- Acts as a resource for management and staff; provides technical support within areas of responsibility for the cannabis program.
Qualifications
Job-Specific Knowledge & Technical Skills:
- Comprehensive understanding of medical cannabis program operations and regulatory frameworks.
- Proficiency in using analytical tools and statistical reports for program evaluation and control.
- Knowledge of project planning, development, and implementation methodologies.
- Understanding of compliance monitoring and inspection protocols.
- Familiarity with Salesforce project management or similar systems.
- Knowledge of administrative processes for managing communications, documentation, and meetings.
Communication Skills:
- Ability to articulate program goals, recommendations, and findings clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal skills for representing the agency on interagency committees and task forces.
- Aptitude for responding to diverse inquiries from licensees and the general public.
- Skill in preparing and presenting reports, plans, and policies to various stakeholders.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills:
- Capacity to assess program needs and design effective initiatives to address them.
- Ability to evaluate operations, programs, and practices for quality and effectiveness and propose improvements.
- Aptitude for developing and reviewing plans and criteria for projects, assessing their feasibility.
- Capability to identify and resolve issues related to regulatory violations and compliance.
- Strategic thinking for coordinating projects and ensuring administrative controls, quality, and procedural efficiencies.
Interpersonal & Management Skills:
- Proven ability to supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate personnel, including hiring, delegating, and taking corrective actions.
- Leadership skills to chair committees and drive program initiatives.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and administrative tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to foster teamwork and facilitate effective meetings.
- A commitment to providing excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Adept at conducting performance reviews and facilitating goal development for employees.
About the Role
Location - 4315 S 2700 W, Taylorsville
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - AX
Why You Should Join Our Team
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food offers excellent benefits and is composed of dedicated individuals who embody a strong work ethic. If you are passionate about agriculture, this department provides an ideal environment. Furthermore, with the growing fields of Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis, the State of Utah presents exciting opportunities, and our programs are designed to support these industries while ensuring safe and affordable products for patients
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The AgencyFor more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.