Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION : Part-time Assistant Roaster

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS : Head Roaster

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, Helen and Brooke have 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 certification, Equator Coffees is the first California coffee roaster to achieve B Corp Certification.

Position Summary
We’re looking for a Part-Time Assistant Roaster to join our Roastery team. This is an entry-level position , ideal for someone passionate about coffee and excited to learn the fundamentals of roasting in a hands-on environment. You'll support daily roasting operations and have the opportunity to grow into a Production Roaster role after 90 days, based on 

Sunday availability is mandatory for this role.
Our current scheduling plan is 2–4 shifts between Sunday and Wednesday , with some flexibility outside of that range (except Sundays, which are required).

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist the Roasting Team with daily tasks and production flow.
• Set up and prepare roasting equipment and green coffee.
• Move, organize, and track green coffee inventory.
• Learn and follow all food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Help with roastery cleanliness and daily cleaning checklists.
• Production roasting on Loring and other systems.
• Assist with post-roast blending and packaging.
• Participate in daily roastery huddles and workflow discussions.
• Shadow the Fulfillment Team to understand packaging and shipping processes.

Learning & Development

• Learn how roasting affects flavor and quality.
• Gain hands-on experience with roasting equipment and green coffee prep.
• Observe experienced roasters and learn machine operations.
• Begin to understand roast profiles and quality control through cuppings and evaluations.
• Get familiar with Cropster roasting software and its use in production.

Qualifications and Requirements 

• No prior roasting experience required—just a strong interest in Specialty Coffee and a willingness to learn.
• Dependable, punctual, and eager to work in a collaborative team setting.
• Able to follow instructions and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic math and computer literacy.
• Must be able to lift 25–70 lbs, and safely co-lift or move up to 150 lbs with assistance.
• Previous experience in fulfillment, shipping/receiving, or warehouse environments is a plus.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Food Safety protocols, experience in food manufacturing or food service is a plus. 

Physical Requirements
This is an active, hands-on role in a non-climate-controlled environment—expect heat in the summer and cold in the winter. To perform the essential functions of this job, you must be able to:

• Stand or be on your feet for up to 8 hours
• Walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and climb ladders
• Lift and move items weighing 25–70 pounds, and occasionally lift items overhead
• Safely co-lift items up to 150 pounds with assistance
• Use finger and wrist dexterity for repetitive tasks
• Talk, hear, and read instructions and safety information
• Maintain visual acuity, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Pathway to Promotion
At the end of your 90-day assessment, you will have the opportunity to be promoted to Production Roaster if the following criteria are met:

• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality.
• Consistent adherence to Equator’s food safety and hygiene policies.
• Successful completion of introductory training on roasting systems and tasks.
• Demonstrated interest in growing your roasting knowledge and skills.

Compensation

• Available to all employees
• Competitive Hourly wage
• 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 employees working over 30 hours per week)
• 100% employer-covered premium medical insurance 
• Voluntary Insurance Plans - dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplementary life insurance
• Employer covered life insurance premium
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - healthcare and daily dependent care
• 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.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Summer work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Sunday,

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