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Trade Coffee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekend Production Roaster

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and ...

A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and ...

A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and ...

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 ...

Weekend Production Roaster

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and ...

A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and ...

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21/hr

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 ...

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21/hr

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 ...

Shift Lead

Larkspur, CA ยท On-site

$19/hr

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 ...

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

Burlingame, CA ยท On-site

$18.25/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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Trade Coffee information

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How much do trade coffee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade coffee in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Coffee Trader, you need strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and a background in business, finance, or agriculture, often supported by relevant degrees or experience. Familiarity with trading platforms, commodity pricing tools, and certifications like Q Grader can enhance technical proficiency. Exceptional negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help you stand out in client and supplier interactions. These skills are crucial for making informed buying decisions, managing risks, and building lasting partnerships in the dynamic global coffee market.

What are some common challenges faced by coffee traders, and how can professionals in this role effectively navigate them?

Coffee traders often face challenges such as fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather affecting crop yields, and navigating complex international supply chains. To succeed, professionals must stay informed about global coffee trends, build strong relationships with suppliers and buyers, and utilize risk management strategies like hedging. Being detail-oriented and adaptable helps traders respond quickly to market shifts and maintain profitable operations.

What is the difference between Trade Coffee vs Barista?

AspectTrade CoffeeBarista
Required CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certification neededBasic coffee preparation skills; sometimes certifications like Food Handler
Work EnvironmentOffice-like coffee subscription companies or roaster facilitiesCoffee shops, cafes, or restaurants
Industry UsageCustomer service, sales, and coffee curationCoffee brewing, customer service, and beverage preparation
Common Search/ComparisonTrade Coffee vs Barista

Trade Coffee primarily focuses on coffee subscription services and customer engagement, while a Barista is directly involved in preparing and serving coffee in retail settings. The roles differ in credentials, work environment, and industry focus, but both are integral to the coffee industry.

What is a Trade Coffee professional and what do they do?

A Trade Coffee professional typically works within the specialty coffee industry, focusing on the buying, selling, and distribution of coffee beans between producers (farmers) and roasters or retailers. Their role involves sourcing high-quality coffee, negotiating contracts, ensuring ethical sourcing practices, and maintaining relationships with coffee growers worldwide. Trade Coffee professionals may also be involved in quality control, logistics, and understanding global coffee market trends. Their work is essential in connecting small coffee producers to the global market and promoting sustainable practices in the coffee supply chain.
More about Trade Coffee jobs
What cities are hiring for Trade Coffee jobs? Cities with the most Trade Coffee job openings:
What states have the most Trade Coffee jobs? States with the most job openings for Trade Coffee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trade Coffee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,434 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Weekend Production Roaster

Weekend Production Roaster

Groundwork Coffee

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Groundwork Coffee specializes in batch-roasted, certified organic coffees and artisanal teas. From our humble roots as a rare book store and cafe back in 1990, Groundwork would go on to become one of the first certified organic coffee roasters in Southern California, as well as the largest organic coffee roaster in Los Angeles. A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and importers who promote responsible coffee and tea production. From the ground up, Groundwork is steadfast in its commitment to the values of quality, sustainability and community.
JOB TITLE: Production Roaster
DEPARTMENT: Roastery
DOL STATUS: CLASSIFICATION: Part Time Non-Exempt (gets OT pay)
SCHEDULE: Saturday and Sunday 6 AM- 2:30 PM / 2:30 PM-11 PM
LOCATION: North Hollywood, CA
REPORTS TO POSITION: Production Manager
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct reports.
Position Overview
The Production Roaster follows roasting protocols and profiles to produce roasted coffee within specifications. The Production Roaster is responsible for production roasting and routine maintenance of the production roasters, including but not limited to: operating the production roaster, correctly adhering to blend recipes and profiles, routine maintenance/cleaning, quality control, and data input and management. This position is responsible for self-monitoring quality control and notifying the Production Manager and Quality Control ("QC")/Quality Assurance ("QA") department of any roasts that may fall out of specification. The Production Roaster works in a fast-paced environment subject to numerous schedule/ priority changes on short notice.
Role Priorities
  • Roasting coffee. Adhering to the Roast Schedule as determined by the Production Manager, utilizing the Cropster roasting program, to maintain quality control and consistency of roasts.
  • Staying up to date with blend formulas, roast profiles, and changes.
  • Fluency and understanding of roaster operation and maintenance, and Cropster roasting software.
  • Routine roaster maintenance, adhering to the maintenance schedule.
  • Keeping a tidy work area/roasting floor. Regular QC of all roasted coffee.
  • Notifying others when there are discrepancies with roasts, green coffee inventory, or order fulfillment.
  • Conducting Green Coffee and Roasted Coffee inventory counts and maintaining organized inventory on the floor and storage racking.
  • Blending of large quantities of various coffees, as required, and determined by the Production Manager.
  • Checking in with the Production Manager before ending roasting shifts.

Work Environment
Warehouse/Production environment: busy, tight quarters, sometimes stuffy, dusty, ever-present coffee roasting aroma. Noise level is usually moderate but may be loud depending on roasting activity.
Additional Duties
The Production Roaster is a critical role in the operation of Groundwork Coffee and our Production Department. The Production Roaster must be capable of supporting production needs as they increase and decrease based on demand. Additional hours may be necessary, and are expected on an as-needed basis.
Role Qualifications
  • Forklift certification, or the ability to be trained and operate a forklift.
  • Fluency in information systems (Cropster/ Inventory Tools) and Quality Control procedures and protocols
  • Understanding of needs for daily production for a Roasting Facility (packaging, blending, receiving, shipping, etc.)
  • Understanding and fluency of the coffee roasting process
  • Understanding of roast defects and their causes (both sensory and mechanical)
  • Understanding of green and roasted coffee inventory management
  • Ability to maintain records and documents
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs, and to move 150lbs with proper support.
  • Able to work independently with little or no supervision
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality when needed
  • Commitment to company values and vision
  • Willingness to pitch in wherever needed, especially loading/unloading trucks, and inventory control.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Team Work: Strong, positive, and constructive team player. Reliable, respectful, and detail-oriented.
  • Pressure: Able to maintain focus when operating in a busy, distracting environment. Takes initiative.
  • Flexible/Adaptable: Able to deal skillfully and promptly to new situations. Energized by challenges.
  • Receptive to Feedback: Gains insights from mistakes and is open to and actively seeks feedback.
  • Time Management: Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear verbal manner. Relates well to all kinds of people.
  • Dealing with Ambiguity: Open to change; learns quickly when facing new/unfamiliar tasks or challenges.
  • Planning: Can breakdown work into process steps; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks.
  • Problem Solving: Observant, aware. Resourceful, creative problem-solver.
  • Conflict Management: Effectively handles issues and/or complaints without escalating the situation.
  • Approachability: Spends the extra effort to put others at-ease. Builds constructive relationships.
  • Presentation Skill: Effective in a variety of formal presentation settings. Commands attention and can manage group processes during the presentation.
  • Strong Customer-Orientation: Can-do, friendly, professional, "Win-Win" attitude.

Physical Demands
This position is very active. Primarily a standing job (sometimes on even and uneven surfaces) within the facility, stooping, bending, twisting, leaning, grasping, and occasional lifting of 50 pounds or more.
Why Groundwork:
We strive to be the best place our employees have ever worked, and to produce the best coffee our customers have ever sipped. As a part of our team, you'll be working with people who are down-to-earth, friendly, and passionate in a casual, caffeinated, and fun retail environment.
Groundwork Perks:*Benefits are offered to eligible employees and are subject to change.
  • Free Coffee to Take Home: 1 pound Bulk Coffee or ยผ Pound Loose Leaf Tea every other week
  • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on Food, Beverage, & Merchandise
  • Paid Time Off: Sick Hours
  • Commuter Program: Substantially Subsidized Metro Pass

Groundwork is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, present or past history of mental disability, genetic information, or any other classification protected by state or federal law.