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Lead Roaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equator Coffees

Associate Roaster

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Communicate daily with Head Roaster, Lead Roaster, Production Supervisor and Roastery Operations Manager regarding order fulfillment, roasting, maintenance, and green inventory needs. * Move ...

Kuppa Joy

* Head Coffee Roaster

Clovis, CA · On-site

You will roast our portfolio of coffee blends in accordance with company standard operating ... Lead team on all coffee and cold brew production and ensure company's superior quality is ...

Kuppa Joy

* Head Coffee Roaster

Clovis, CA · On-site

You will roast our portfolio of coffee blends in accordance with company standard operating ... Lead team on all coffee and cold brew production and ensure company's superior quality is ...

Port City Java

Head Coffee Roaster

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$45K/yr

What You Will Do • Execute all roasted coffee fulfillment according to profiles and quality standards set by the VP of Roasting • Set up and lead daily production cuppings, maintaining rigorous Q ...

New

Kuppa Joy

* Head Coffee Roaster

Clovis, CA · On-site

You will roast our portfolio of coffee blends in accordance with company standard operating ... Lead team on all coffee and cold brew production and ensure companys superior quality is ...

Westrock Coffee

Roast and Grind Operator

Conway, AR · On-site

Roaster I will also Share sample roasting responsiblities with the roasting team lead to ensure quality. * Perform other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications: * 1-2 years' experience in a ...

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Lead Position

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$18.25/hr

BIRD ROCK COFFEE ROASTERS IS HIRING AT OUR newest La Jolla location! PART OR FULL TIME SHIFTS ARE ... Customer Service/Lead Duties & Responsibilities Include: *Have a love and passion for coffee and ...

Coldfire Roaster LLC

Warehouse Assistant

Houston, TX

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Warehouse Lead / Warehouse Supervisor Industry: Coffee Roasting + Manufacturing Position Summary We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Warehouse Assistant to support daily operations in our ...

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Lead Roaster information

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How much do lead roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead roaster in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a roaster job description?

A lead roaster is responsible for overseeing the coffee roasting process, ensuring beans are roasted to desired profiles, and maintaining quality standards. The role involves operating roasting equipment, monitoring temperature and time, and collaborating with quality control and production teams. Strong sensory skills and knowledge of roasting techniques are essential for this position.

What does a roaster do?

A lead roaster is responsible for roasting coffee beans to develop flavor profiles, operating roasting equipment, and ensuring quality control. They often monitor temperature, time, and airflow during the roasting process and may adjust settings to achieve desired results, requiring knowledge of roasting techniques and sensory evaluation. The role may also involve maintaining equipment and collaborating with other staff to produce consistent coffee batches.

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

To thrive as a Lead Roaster, you need deep knowledge of coffee bean varieties, roasting profiles, and quality control, often supported by experience in specialty coffee and relevant training or certification (such as SCA certifications). Familiarity with commercial roasting equipment, production software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication skills are essential for managing roasting teams and maintaining consistency. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality coffee products, efficient production workflows, and a cohesive team environment.

Do coffee roasters make a lot of money?

Lead roasters typically earn a moderate to high salary depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. Entry-level roasters usually earn less, while experienced professionals with certifications and specialized skills can command higher wages. Overall, coffee roasting can be a financially rewarding career for those with expertise and dedication.

What does a Lead Roaster do?

A Lead Roaster oversees the coffee roasting process to ensure beans are roasted to perfection according to quality standards. They manage the roasting schedule, monitor equipment, and adjust roast profiles to achieve desired flavors. Additionally, Lead Roasters often supervise roasting staff, maintain inventory, and ensure safety and cleanliness in the roasting facility. Their expertise is crucial in producing consistent, high-quality coffee for cafes or retail.

What are some common challenges Lead Roasters face in maintaining coffee quality during large-scale production?

Lead Roasters often encounter the challenge of ensuring consistency and quality when roasting high volumes of coffee. Variations in green bean batches, changes in humidity, and equipment calibration can all impact flavor profiles. To address this, Lead Roasters must closely monitor roasting parameters, keep detailed logs, and frequently cup the coffee for quality control. Collaboration with production teams and regular equipment maintenance are also essential for minimizing inconsistencies and upholding quality standards.

How to become a roaster?

To become a lead roaster, gain experience by working as a coffee roaster or in a related role, and develop skills in roasting techniques, flavor profiling, and equipment operation. Many professionals pursue certifications from industry organizations and learn on commercial roasting machines to advance to leadership positions.

What is the difference between Lead Roaster vs Roaster?

AspectLead RoasterRoaster
CredentialsOften requires certifications in coffee roasting or barista trainingTypically requires basic coffee roasting experience or certification
Work EnvironmentLeads roasting team, manages quality control, and oversees roasting processesPerforms roasting tasks under supervision, focuses on executing roasting profiles
Industry UsageUsed in specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and cafes with multiple staffCommon in cafes, small roasteries, or entry-level roles

The main difference between a Lead Roaster and a Roaster is that the Lead Roaster manages the roasting process, oversees quality, and leads the team, while the Roaster primarily focuses on executing roasting tasks. The Lead Roaster typically has more experience, certifications, and responsibilities in quality control and team leadership.

More about Lead Roaster jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Roaster jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Roaster jobs are:
Lead Roaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Roaster job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Associate Roaster

Roastery - Equator Coffees

San Rafael, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

POSITION:  Associate Roaster

CLASSIFICATION​:  Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Warehouse Compliance Manager

COMPENSATION: $23.00 to $26.00/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

Reporting to the Head Roaster, the Associate Roaster is responsible for production roasting, QC and QA, order fulfillment, and tasks related to production workflow and Roastery cleanliness. This role requires previous commercial production roasting experience and a strong foundation in specialty coffee to ensure consistency, quality, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
  • Roast daily on all production systems: Loring S70 Peregrine, Loring K35 Kestrel, Giesen, and Probat sample roaster. 
  • Develop working knowledge of all roasting systems (manual, mechanized, electrical, and digital.)
  • Communicate daily with Head Roaster, Lead Roaster, Production Supervisor and Roastery Operations Manager regarding order fulfillment, roasting, maintenance, and green inventory needs. 
  • Move, organize, and maintain green coffee inventory
  • Participate in quality assurance through sample roasting, dialing in espresso, data collection with ColorTrack laser, and cupping as directed by Head Roaster and Quality Assurance Manager.
  • Under guidance from Head Roaster and senior roasting team members, learn roast theory and roast profiling as it pertains to Equator’s roasting parameters.
  • Complete daily, weekly, monthly & annual maintenance of roasting equipment & facility cleaning.
  • Participate in "huddles" to understand schedule changes, production issues, and workflow.
  • Actively work to grow coffee knowledge via on the job training and personal study.
  • Support a collaborative environment through engagement with all Roastery teams.
  • Show initiative, present a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and take direction.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 
  • Demonstrated production roasting experience in a commercial coffee roasting environment.
  • Working knowledge of specialty coffee, roast development, coffee processing methods, and green coffee handling.
  • Experience operating commercial production roasting equipment (Loring, Probat, Giesen or similar roasting systems preferred).
  • Ability to accurately follow roast profiles, SOPs, quality standards, and production schedules.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and communicate quality concerns.
  • Basic math and computer proficiency.
  • Able to lift, push, and pull up to 70 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift. 
  • Strong communication, organization, and self-management skills.
  • Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
Qualifications and Requirements 
  • Required: Previous production roasting experience in a commercial coffee roasting environment.
  • Required: Working knowledge of specialty coffee, including coffee origins, processing methods, roast development, and quality standards.
  • Experience participating in coffee cuppings, quality assurance, or sensory evaluation preferred.
  • Familiarity with green coffee inventory management and production workflow.
  • Experience working in a food manufacturing or production environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency and quality.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Forklift certification or willingness to become certified is preferred.
Physical Requirements
The physical tasks described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The Roastery is not a climate-controlled environment. It will be hot in the Summer and cold in the Winter.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and read. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is active and requires standing (or being on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time), walking, bending, stooping, climbing (ladders), and crouching throughout the shift. Lifting product and packaging above the head. The employee must frequently lift or move items weighing 25 - 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Finger & wrist dexterity.

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.

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.