The Facilities Tech is the backbone of the cannabis production operation, ensuring that all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems function with precision and reliability. This role directly enables the complex biological and chemical processes that create finished cannabis products. They are the hands-on guardians of multi-million-dollar equipment, from specialized HVAC systems that control plant environments to the complex machinery used in hydrocarbon extraction. The position requires a unique blend of proactive, scheduled maintenance driven by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the agile, ad-hoc problem-solving needed to resolve unexpected equipment failures. The Facilities Tech's performance has a direct and immediate impact on production uptime, product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall business results. Their work ensures the physical plant can meet the demanding production targets of a rapidly growing industry while adhering to strict OSHA and state-level safety mandates, which often mirror FDA requirements.
The day begins with a systems check via the Building Management System (BMS). The tech reviews logs from the overnight shift, paying close attention to environmental parameters in the flowering rooms. They notice a 5% humidity increase in Flower Room 4 around 3 AM, which could indicate an issue with a dehumidification unit. This becomes the first priority, as excessive humidity can lead to powdery mildew, a crop-destroying fungus. The tech proceeds to the room to physically inspect the rooftop air handler, checking for condensate drain clogs or sensor malfunctions. After clearing a minor blockage, they monitor the BMS to confirm humidity levels return to the target of 55%.
Following the initial check, the tech begins their scheduled preventative maintenance tasks. Today's list includes changing the pre-filters on the HVAC systems for the trimming and packaging cleanrooms. This task is critical to maintaining air quality and preventing microscopic contaminants from compromising the final product, a key component of GMP compliance. While on the roof, they perform a visual inspection of the main chiller, listening for unusual bearing noise and checking for any refrigerant leaks. All actions, including filter part numbers and lot codes, are meticulously recorded in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for audit traceability.
Mid-morning, an ad-hoc work order arrives. An automated filling machine in the vape cartridge production line is faulting out. The tech reports to the packaging area, consults with the operator to understand the issue, and observes the machine's cycle. Using a multimeter and schematic diagrams, they diagnose a faulty proximity sensor. After following proper OSHA Lockout/Tagout procedures to de-energize the equipment, they replace the sensor from the spare parts inventory. They then power the machine back on and run several test cycles with the operator to confirm the repair is successful, minimizing costly production line downtime.
The afternoon is dedicated to a larger assigned task: supporting the installation of a new reverse osmosis/deionized (RO/DI) water skid. This system provides the high-purity water essential for feeding the plants and cleaning equipment. The tech works alongside a vendor, running PVC pipe, connecting electrical power, and assisting with the initial system startup and water quality testing. This project directly impacts the company's ability to scale cultivation output. The work requires careful budget tracking for parts and supplies. The day concludes with a final facility walkthrough, updating the CMMS with all completed assigned tasks, and preparing a handoff report for the next shift, detailing the status of the new RO/DI system and confirming the stability of the HVAC in Flower Room 4.
The Facilities Tech’s duties are central to operational success and are categorized into three key areas:
The Facilities Tech provides tangible value that directly influences the company's financial and operational performance:
| Impact Area | Strategic Influence |
|---|---|
| Cash | Controls operational expenses by performing in-house repairs, avoiding costly external contractor fees. Reduces utility consumption by maintaining HVAC and other systems at peak efficiency. |
| Profits | Directly maximizes revenue by ensuring near-100% uptime for all production-critical equipment, from cultivation environmental controls to extraction and packaging machinery. |
| Assets | Protects and extends the useful life of the company's most expensive physical assets through diligent preventative maintenance, maximizing return on capital investment. |
| Growth | Enables facility expansion and the adoption of new technologies by providing the foundational mechanical and electrical support needed for new equipment installation and commissioning. |
| People | Creates a safe and reliable working environment by maintaining all equipment to OSHA standards, ensuring proper machine guarding, ventilation, and emergency systems are always operational. |
| Products | Guarantees product quality and consistency by maintaining the precise environmental and equipment parameters required by cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing SOPs. |
| Legal Exposure | Minimizes liability from workplace accidents through strict adherence to safety protocols and well-maintained equipment. Creates a defensible record of compliance. |
| Compliance | Keeps the physical facility in a constant state of audit-readiness for unannounced inspections from state cannabis regulators, fire marshals, and OSHA. |
| Regulatory | Implements physical changes to the facility and equipment as required to adapt to evolving fire codes, safety standards, and cannabis-specific regulations. |
Reports To: This position typically reports to the Facilities Manager or, in smaller organizations, the Director of Operations.
Similar Roles: In the broader industrial market, this role aligns with titles like Industrial Maintenance Technician, Building Engineer, Plant Mechanic, or HVAC/R Technician. Within cannabis, the role is unique due to the combination of GMP requirements from pharma, the hazardous material handling of the chemical industry, and the precise agricultural technology of modern cultivation. It requires a broader skill set than a traditional maintenance role focused on a single trade.
Works Closely With: This position is highly collaborative. Key stakeholders include the Head of Cultivation, to ensure grow room environments are perfect for plant health; the Extraction Manager, to maintain the safety and efficiency of high-pressure extraction equipment; and the Quality Assurance Manager, to ensure all maintenance and calibration activities are documented and compliant with GMP standards.
Proficiency with modern industrial technology is essential for success:
Professionals from several highly regulated or mission-critical industries are well-equipped for this role:
The role demands specific professional attributes for high performance:
These organizations establish the rules and best practices that govern the work of a Facilities Tech in cannabis:
| Acronym/Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| BMS | Building Management System. A computer-based system that controls and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, and power systems. |
| C1D1 | Class 1, Division 1. An area designation by the National Electrical Code where flammable gases or vapors are present under normal operating conditions. Requires specialized explosion-proof equipment. |
| CMMS | Computerized Maintenance Management System. Software that centralizes maintenance information and facilitates the processes of maintenance operations. |
| GMP | Good Manufacturing Practices. A system of regulations and guidelines to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. |
| HVAC | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Critical for controlling cannabis cultivation environments. |
| LOTO | Lockout/Tagout. A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. |
| NFPA | National Fire Protection Association. A global nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. |
| OSHA | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The federal agency charged with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women. |
| PLC | Programmable Logic Controller. An industrial computer control system that continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based upon a custom program to control the state of output devices. |
| PM | Preventative Maintenance. The regular and routine maintenance of equipment and assets in order to keep them running and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure. |
| RO/DI | Reverse Osmosis/Deionization. A water purification process that removes contaminants, producing high-purity water essential for cannabis cultivation and cleaning. |
| SOP | Standard Operating Procedure. A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations. |
| VFD | Variable Frequency Drive. A type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor. Used to control the speed of fans and pumps. |
This article and the content within this knowledge base are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute business, financial, legal, or other professional advice. Regulations and business circumstances vary widely. You should consult with a qualified professional (e.g., attorney, accountant, specialized consultant) who is familiar with your specific situation and jurisdiction before making business decisions or taking action based on this content. The site, platform, and authors accept no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided herein.