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Lead Roaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the General Manager ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the General Manager COMPENSATION ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Reports to the General Manager ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the General Manager COMPENSATION ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Shift Lead

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$19/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the General Manager ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

$18.25/hr

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has an extensive training program where you will learn from some of the best! Customer Service/Lead Duties & Responsibilities Include: *Have a love and passion for coffee ...

Shift Lead

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt Reports to : Reports to the General Manager COMPENSATION ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Shift Lead

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt Reports to :Reports to the General Manager ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Lead Catering Cook

Golden, CO · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Lead daily prep and production for catered events and delivery menus ... Apply a wide range of cooking techniques including roasting, braising, sauting, grilling, baking ...

Lead daily prep and production for catered events and delivery menus ... Apply a wide range of cooking techniques including roasting, braising, sautéing, grilling, baking ...

Lead daily prep and production for catered events and delivery menus ... Apply a wide range of cooking techniques including roasting, braising, sautéing, grilling, baking ...

As a Shift Lead , youll play a key role in maintaining quality, consistency, and team energy during ... Understand coffee offerings, roasting dates, and storage best practices. * Stay informed about food ...

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Lead Roaster information

See salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do lead roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Lead Roaster job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 71% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 20% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

$20.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Shift Lead

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:Reports to the General Manager

COMPENSATION: $20.75/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 Sonoma County 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 cafes, 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 ondrink 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 byensuring compliance with Equator Coffees policies and procedures
  • Communicates efficiently with the Store Manager on concerns such as employee engagement, workperformance, 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, andmission of Equator Coffees
Qualificationsand 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 ofage 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
  • 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 a4% 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 bypeople assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Job responsibilitiescan change according to the operational needs of the business. The order in which duties andresponsibilities 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.