Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH), a multi-state cannabis operator, has announced it is hiring full-time dispensary associates for its Tinley Park location. The company is offering $19 per hour for the positions, which require 30 to 40 hours of work per week, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
The recruitment drive is part of AWH's stated mission to build a "world-class team" that will shape the future of the cannabis industry. According to the company's hiring announcement, it seeks to employ passionate, hard-working individuals with exceptional customer service skills who can adapt to a fast-paced retail atmosphere.
The role of a dispensary associate is customer-centric, involving guiding patrons through their purchasing experience. This includes providing informed recommendations based on a customer's desired outcomes and offering accurate descriptions of the store’s products. The position is central to the in-store experience that AWH aims to cultivate, which emphasizes health and wellness delivered by a knowledgeable team.
What the role requires
Primary responsibilities for the associate position extend beyond customer interaction. The job includes ensuring the sales floor remains stocked, maintaining up-to-date product menus and displays, and fulfilling and packing customer orders. Associates will also handle inquiries made in person, online, or over the phone.
A key component of the job involves the accurate use of the point-of-sale (POS) system for managing customer transactions, cash handling, and data entry. The company noted that previous experience with cannabis-specific POS software is a plus. Employees will be expected to continuously develop their product knowledge to provide the most current information and advice to customers.
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED. While retail experience is preferred, the company has indicated that experience in cannabis retail specifically is an advantage. Other requirements include a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational and time-management skills. The role also has physical demands, such as standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.
Company’s presence and philosophy
Ascend Wellness Holdings is a significant player in the American cannabis market. It is a vertically integrated operator, meaning the company controls its cannabis supply chain, from cultivation and processing to operating its retail dispensaries, which it refers to as provisioning centers. This model allows AWH to ensure quality and consistency in its products.
The company has assets in several states, including Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Its corporate philosophy is centered on fostering an inclusive cannabis industry and providing a "premium, unmatched customer-focused retail experience." This business activity is part of the wider economic landscape in the village, and businesses are finding success in Southern California, as seen in reporting on how an Ohio native launched an accounting firm there. For more on local commerce, see coverage on the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce's annual Bag Crawl.
Broader context of the cannabis job market
The hiring initiative in Tinley Park reflects the continued expansion of the legal cannabis industry in Illinois and the corresponding growth in employment opportunities. Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state, the sector has become a notable contributor to the local economy, creating jobs in cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail. These positions often come with specific regulatory and training requirements, reflecting the specialized nature of the industry.
The creation of retail jobs at dispensaries like AWH's contributes to the commercial activity of municipalities such as Tinley Park. In addition to hourly wages, AWH is offering perks for its full-time staff, including two weeks of paid time off and company swag.
Interested individuals can find more information and apply online through the company's job portal.
