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Q Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Willingness and desire to develop by gaining coffee industry specific qualifications (Q-grader, SCAA Coffee certifications, etc.) * Strong mathematical skills using percentages and fractions while ...

Barista

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

PR · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

Prior experience in the commissioning and qualification (C&Q) of Grade D cleanroom environments is highly preferred. Physical Requirements: * Ability to sit for long periods. * Light physical ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

PR · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

Prior experience in the commissioning and qualification (C&Q) of Grade D cleanroom environments is highly preferred. Physical Requirements: * Ability to sit for long periods. * Light physical ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

$18.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Lead Position

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$18.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Keyholder Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Roaster

Essex Junction, VT · On-site

$26.52/hr

Willingness to pursue coffee industry certifications such as Q-Grader or SCAA certifications * Strong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills * Ability to conduct root-cause analysis ...

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Q Grader information

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How much do q grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for q grader in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Q Grader, and who do they work with?

A typical day for a Q Grader involves conducting coffee cuppings, assessing green and roasted coffee samples, and documenting detailed tasting notes and scores according to SCA protocols. Q Graders often collaborate closely with roasters, green coffee buyers, producers, and quality assurance teams to provide feedback and make informed sourcing or blending decisions. The work can be both hands-on and collaborative, requiring frequent communication and alignment with broader quality standards or customer expectations. Many Q Graders also participate in training sessions, calibration workshops, or support educational efforts within their organizations to uphold high-quality coffee standards. This dynamic role is central to ensuring product excellence and building trust across the supply chain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Q Grader position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Q Grader, you need an exceptional palate for identifying and evaluating coffee flavors, aromas, and defects, supported by formal training and successful completion of the Q Grader certification exam. Mastery of cupping protocols, sensory evaluation tools, and quality scoring systems established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to provide objective, constructive feedback set outstanding Q Graders apart. These skills are vital because Q Graders ensure coffee quality standards, guide purchasing decisions, and maintain consistency in the specialty coffee industry.

What is a Q Grader job?

A Q Grader is a certified professional who evaluates coffee quality based on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards. They assess coffee through sensory analysis, identifying flavors, defects, and overall cup quality. Q Graders help ensure consistency in the coffee supply chain by grading beans for producers, buyers, and roasters. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining quality control and improving coffee offerings worldwide.

More about Q Grader jobs
What cities are hiring for Q Grader jobs? Cities with the most Q Grader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Q Grader jobs? The most popular types of Q Grader jobs are:
What states have the most Q Grader jobs? States with the most job openings for Q Grader jobs include:
Roast and Grind Operator

Roast and Grind Operator

Westrock Coffee

Conway, AR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Coffee Roaster I will operate coffee roasting equipment and will work as part of a team to strive for optimum performance from the roasters and other coffee processing equipment. This individual will verify, load, and transfer green coffee bean inventory to the bin system. and will be responsible for learning all aspects of coffee production. The Coffee Roaster I position will report to the Supervisor of Roasting and Grinding.
Principal Job Duties:
  • Roast green coffee beans to production schedule and confirm that the roast times, temperatures, and Agtron(color) values are well within specifications, per each coffee roast profile.
  • Complete all logs, forms, and checklist required during shift.
  • Perform real time quality checks of each batch to ensure that each roast meets quality standards.
  • Set up green loading commands and maintain inventory in the green coffee bean silos.
  • Monitor equipment for proper performance and troubleshoot when problems arise.
  • Communicate with others on progress of daily schedule.
  • Operate a forklift and other material moving equipment in accordance with safety requirements.
  • Conduct necessary transactions using NetSuite to record production data.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance on equipment with the assistance of a maintenance technician.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Train employees in ways to keep themselves and those around them safe.
  • Show the ability to stay calm and alert in emergency situations to lead others through protocols and procedures.
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, standards, safety and GMP requirements.
  • 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 manufacturing environment.
  • 1-2 years' experience monitoring product quality.
  • 1-2 years of certified forklift experience.
  • Willingness and desire to develop by gaining coffee industry specific qualifications (Q-grader, SCAA Coffee certifications, etc.)
  • Strong mathematical skills using percentages and fractions while working with recipes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent computer skills. General understanding of Microsoft Excel and Office.
  • Basic knowledge of mechanics and thermodynamics.
  • Basic data entry skills.
  • High school diploma or GED

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled