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Coffee Roaster Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise, Equator has committed over 30 years to sustainable and fair trade coffee practices all in the name of ...

Barista - Cotati

Cotati, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - N. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Petaluma

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Sonoma

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Sonoma

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Novato

Novato, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Napa

Napa, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Hamilton

Novato, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Cotati

Cotati, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Petaluma

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Napa

Napa, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Washington Square

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Hamilton

Novato, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - Novato

Novato, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

Barista - N. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $20.75/hr

Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. * 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). * Employee Assistance program including ...

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Coffee Roaster information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$14

$22

$31

How much do coffee roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee roaster in Santa Rosa, CA is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do coffee roasters get paid?

Coffee roasters typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. Skilled roasters with certifications or specialized knowledge may earn higher wages, especially in larger or specialty coffee companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coffee roaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Roaster, you need a solid understanding of coffee bean varieties, roasting techniques, and quality control, often gained through hands-on experience or specialized training. Familiarity with commercial roasting machines, cupping protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, sensory acuity, and strong communication skills help in maintaining consistency and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure the production of high-quality coffee, efficient operations, and satisfaction for both customers and business partners.

What is the difference between Coffee Roaster vs Barista?

AspectCoffee RoasterBarista
CredentialsBasic coffee knowledge, sometimes certifications in roastingCustomer service skills, barista training, coffee brewing certifications
Work EnvironmentRoasting facilities, production areasCoffee shops, cafes, retail environments
Industry UsageManufacturing, coffee productionCustomer-facing, retail coffee service

While both roles involve working with coffee, a Coffee Roaster focuses on the roasting process in production settings, developing flavor profiles and managing roasting equipment. A Barista, on the other hand, prepares coffee beverages for customers in retail environments, emphasizing brewing techniques and customer service. Both roles require coffee knowledge but serve different parts of the coffee industry.

What does a coffee roaster do?

A coffee roaster is responsible for transforming green coffee beans into roasted coffee products by carefully applying heat in a roasting machine. They monitor and control roasting time, temperature, and airflow to achieve desired flavor profiles and aromas. Coffee roasters also evaluate roasted beans for quality, consistency, and taste, often working closely with suppliers and customers to select and develop unique blends. This role requires knowledge of roasting processes, bean origins, and cupping techniques to produce high-quality coffee.

Do coffee roasters make money?

Coffee roasters can earn varying incomes depending on their experience, location, and scale of operation. Skilled roasters working in specialty coffee shops or owning their own roasting business often have higher earning potential, especially with additional skills like quality control and equipment maintenance. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages, but experienced professionals can make a competitive income in the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by coffee roasters in maintaining bean quality and consistency?

Coffee roasters often encounter challenges such as sourcing beans of consistent quality, adapting to seasonal variations, and fine-tuning roasting profiles to achieve the desired flavor. Maintaining consistency across different batches is critical, as factors like humidity, bean density, and even equipment maintenance can impact the final product. Collaboration with quality control teams and staying up-to-date with industry best practices are essential to address these challenges and ensure a high-quality cup for customers.

What is a coffee roaster?

As a coffee roaster, you roast dried coffee beans for sale to retail stores, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. Your responsibilities include acquiring coffee beans from around the world and roasting them to obtain different taste profiles. Your job duties may include negotiating with coffee bean wholesalers or coffee farmers, roasting coffee beans, experimenting with roast levels, aroma, grind, and flavors. You can find coffee roaster jobs with specialty coffee roasting businesses as well as with big name coffee brands.

What are popular job titles related to Coffee Roaster jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Coffee Roaster jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coffee Roaster jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Coffee Roaster jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Coffee Roaster jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Coffee Roaster job openings:
Infographic showing various Coffee Roaster job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,394 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

$19.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

POSITION:  Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Sonoma

CLASSIFICATION​:  Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Reports to the General Manager
COMPENSATION: $19.75/HOUR

About Equator
In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell began their values-driven path, roasting coffee in a Marin County, CA garage. Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise, Equator has committed over 30 years to sustainable and fair trade coffee practices all in the name of creating a remarkable coffee experience for consumers. Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve retail cafes throughout California—from Marin County to San Francisco to Oakland to Los Angeles and beyond. Throughout the years, Equator Coffees has spearheaded industry-leading sourcing and roasting practices, and has forged progressive partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs, specialty grocers, tech campuses, and more. Women-owned, LGBTQ-founded, and an early adopter of Fair Trade and Regenerative Organic certifications, Equator Coffees is the first California coffee roaster to achieve B Corp Certification.

Position Summary
The Shift Lead is responsible for assisting the store manager in leading the Baristas to deliver an exceptional experience to every customer in our retail cafés, including providing the utmost in hospitality and kindness, consistent high-quality beverages, and specialty coffee knowledge. You are responsible for learning operations and leading the team in the absence of the General Manager. The role requires that you act with integrity and respect, promote an accessible, safe, clean, and healthy work environment, act fiscally responsible, produce quality work, and be ethical and passionate about coffee. We love coffee and want you to love it too.

Key Responsibilities 
  • Share passion for coffee and knowledge of specialty coffee with customers and employees
  • Leads team in preparing and serving the highest quality handcrafted beverages
  • Provides regular coaching and feedback to team members on drink quality
  • Leads the team in sharing product knowledge
  • Plan and execute the deployment of staff 
  • Able to remain calm, professional, patient, kind, and productive in all situations 
  • Leads and helps with store cleaning, stocking, and organizing 
  • Ensure and uphold store cleanliness, organization, and food safety 
  • Always act responsibly in protecting the store assets and facilities by ensuring compliance with Equator Coffees policies and procedures
  • Communicates efficiently with the Store Manager on concerns such as employee engagement, work performance, customer feedback, and areas to improve 
  • Work with the Store Manager to perform inventory control tasks
  • You will be the ideal model for teamwork 
  • Able to make decisions in the best interest of the customer as well as problem-solve in the absence of the manager 
  • Contribute to store goals for achieving sales and improving profits 
  • Will be responsible for the opening and closing of the cafe 
  • Demonstrate respect, integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote the culture, values, and mission of Equator Coffees 
Qualifications and Requirements
  • Kind, welcoming, and patient even amid multi-tasking 
  • Coffee experience preferred 
  • Retail and/or customer service experience required 
  • Demonstrates a passion for coffee and tea 
  • Able to make customers the priority 
  • Can provide ongoing positive and constructive feedback with ease 
  • Curious to learn and gain knowledge and apply it to daily interactions 
  • Is a Team Player 
  • Capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and customers
  • Cash handling skills 
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
  • At times, may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 
  • Able to work agreed-upon full-time or part-time hours that include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Maintains a current state-issued Food Handler Card 
  • Flexibility to work a variable schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, is strongly preferred
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
Compensation
  • Available to all employees
    • Commuter Benefits - pre-tax parking and transit
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Physical and mental health, financial and legal coaching available at no cost to the employee 
    • Free mental health app subscription
    • Employee discount on merchandise, coffee gear, and at Equator cafes
    • Continuing coffee education classes
    • Free coffee
    • Paid Time Off for voting on Election Day
  • After 60 days as an employee at Equator
    • Healthcare Benefits (for full-time employees working over 30 hours per week)
      • 100% employer-covered premium medical insurance 
      • Voluntary Insurance Plans - dental, vision, long-term disability, pet, and supplementary life insurance
      • Employer covered life insurance premium
      • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - healthcare and daily dependent care
  • After 90 days as an employee at Equator
    • Holiday Pay after 90 days of employment. Eight Equator-observed holidays per year
    • Paid Time Off with tenured increases for full-time employees
    • 1 paid volunteer day per year 
  • After six months as an employee at Equator
    • 401K with up to a 4% company match on employee contributions

Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

We’d love for you to use the video answer feature for our screening questions! It’s a great way for us to get a better sense of your experience and how comfortable you are discussing your skills. Plus, it helps us see your personality and passion for the role!

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. 

Equator Coffees is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.