Coffee Farm Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of agriculture, the role of coffee farm workers remains crucial as ever.

As the demand for this beloved beverage continually surges, there is a growing need for skilled individuals who can nurture, harvest, and safeguard our precious coffee crops.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a coffee farm worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of coffee farming,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive coffee farm worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or agricultural career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Coffee Farm Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Coffee Farm Workers perform a range of tasks related to the cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of coffee plants.

They work directly with the coffee crops and may also perform tasks related to the preparation and shipping of coffee beans.

Coffee Farm Workers are primarily responsible for ensuring the health and production of the coffee crops, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Planting, pruning, and cultivating coffee plants
• Applying fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and protect the plants from pests
• Monitoring the health of the coffee plants and identifying any signs of disease or stress
• Harvesting coffee beans manually or using machines
• Sorting and grading harvested coffee beans
• Cleaning and preparing coffee beans for drying and roasting
• Packing and loading coffee beans for shipment
• Maintaining and repairing farm equipment and machinery
• Complying with all applicable regulations and safety guidelines

 

Coffee Farm Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent and dedicated Coffee Farm Worker to assist with the day-to-day operations of our coffee farm.

The Coffee Farm Worker’s responsibilities include planting, pruning, and harvesting coffee, identifying and resolving pest issues, and maintaining farm equipment and facilities.

Our ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and a keen interest in sustainable farming practices.

Ultimately, the role of the Coffee Farm Worker is to contribute to the production of high-quality coffee beans in an efficient, sustainable, and safe manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Plant, prune, and harvest coffee plants
• Identify and manage pest and disease issues
• Maintain and repair farming tools and machinery
• Assist with the preparation and application of organic fertilizers and pesticides
• Help with irrigation tasks
• Ensure farm facilities and equipment are kept clean and in working order
• Adhere to all farm safety and biosecurity regulations
• Assist in sorting, grading, and packaging coffee beans
• Contribute to sustainable farming practices

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a farm worker, preferably on a coffee farm
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices
• Physical stamina and the ability to work in all weather conditions
• Basic mechanical skills to operate and repair farm machinery
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently
• Dedication to farm safety regulations
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Housing or housing allowance (for remote locations)
• Opportunities for skills development and career advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coffee Farm Worker
• Work Environment: Outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Physical work is a requirement of the role.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager or Farm Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Competitive wages commensurate with experience
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Coffee Farm Worker Do?

Coffee Farm Workers, also known as coffee pickers, play a crucial role in the cultivation and harvest of coffee plants in farms across coffee-producing countries.

Their primary responsibility is to hand-pick coffee cherries during the harvest season.

This requires careful selection of ripe cherries and leaving behind the underripe ones for future harvest.

In addition to picking, they are involved in the preparation and maintenance of the coffee fields.

This could involve activities such as planting, pruning, and fertilizing the coffee plants.

They also contribute to the cleanliness and tidiness of the field by clearing away old branches, leaves, and other forms of debris.

During the off-season, Coffee Farm Workers may engage in the processing of coffee cherries.

This includes sorting, pulping, fermenting, washing, and drying the coffee beans.

These processes require attention to detail and often manual labor to ensure the highest quality of the beans.

Finally, they may be involved in packaging and preparing the coffee for transport to local markets or international buyers.

Some workers may also take on roles that involve monitoring and managing pests and diseases that can impact the coffee crop.

Their role is physically demanding and requires a keen understanding of the coffee plant lifecycle, as well as the ability to work in various weather conditions.

 

Coffee Farm Worker Qualifications and Skills

A coffee farm worker should possess qualifications and skills that are pertinent to the agriculture industry, and more specifically, the coffee farming sector:

• Physical stamina and strength to perform farming activities, which often involve heavy lifting and working in all types of weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge about coffee plants, their growth patterns and harvesting techniques to ensure the production of high-quality coffee beans.
• Good hand-eye coordination for precise and careful picking of coffee cherries to prevent damage to the plant or loss of product.
• Awareness of safety measures to protect themselves and the crops from potential hazards in the field.
• Ability to operate and maintain farming machinery and equipment, such as harvesters and irrigation systems.
• Effective communication skills to work closely with the farm manager and other farm workers, and to follow instructions accurately.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the planting, growing or harvesting processes.
• Punctuality and time-management skills to ensure tasks are completed within the allocated time frame.
• Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new farming techniques and technologies.

 

Coffee Farm Worker Experience Requirements

Coffee Farm Workers often start with no prior experience, with training provided on the job.

Initial tasks may include assisting in coffee picking, sorting, and processing under the supervision of more experienced staff.

However, those with a few months to a year of experience in a similar agricultural setting, such as a fruit farm or vineyard, may be preferred for certain roles.

Experience with operating agricultural equipment or a background in horticulture can also be beneficial.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience in coffee farming are often skilled in all aspects of coffee production, from planting and cultivating to harvesting and processing.

These workers are also knowledgeable about the diseases and pests that affect coffee crops and how to manage them.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and are capable of managing a team of workers.

They may also have experience with coffee quality assessment and have a deep understanding of the factors that affect coffee quality from the farm to the cup.

 

Coffee Farm Worker Education and Training Requirements

Coffee Farm Workers generally do not require formal education, but knowledge and experience in agricultural practices can be beneficial.

Training is often provided on-the-job and may include learning how to operate machinery, understanding the growth and harvesting process of coffee beans, and becoming familiar with various coffee bean species.

Knowledge of soil management and pest control is advantageous, as is understanding the appropriate use of fertilizers and irrigation techniques.

While not mandatory, certification in agricultural practices or a related field may be beneficial and could set a worker apart from other candidates.

In certain regions, knowledge of Fair Trade and organic farming practices may also be desirable.

A good physical condition is often required due to the physical nature of the job.

Basic literacy and numeracy skills can be helpful for tasks such as measuring and mixing fertilizers, and keeping records of harvested beans.

Interest in sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation can also be beneficial in this role.

 

Coffee Farm Worker Salary Expectations

A Coffee Farm Worker typically earns an average wage of around $12.30 (USD) per hour.

However, this may vary based on factors such as the worker’s experience, the location of the farm, and the specifics of the job role.

A Coffee Farm Worker’s annual earnings are generally in the range of $20,000 – $26,000 (USD).

 

Coffee Farm Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Coffee Farm Worker need?

Coffee Farm Workers require a combination of physical and mental skills.

Physically, the job requires stamina, dexterity, and the ability to handle heavy loads.

Mentally, workers need observational skills to identify ripe coffee cherries and potential diseases or pests affecting the plants.

A basic understanding of organic farming techniques can also be beneficial.

 

Do Coffee Farm Workers need formal education?

No formal education is required to work on a coffee farm.

However, knowledge about agriculture, horticulture, or botany may be beneficial.

On-the-job training is typically provided, where workers learn about coffee plant care, harvesting techniques, and safety procedures.

 

What should you look for in a Coffee Farm Worker resume?

Experience in farming or physical labor is important to look for in a Coffee Farm Worker’s resume.

Attention to detail, teamwork, and good physical condition are also valuable attributes.

Any additional knowledge or experience in coffee cultivation or processing can be a big plus.

 

What qualities make a good Coffee Farm Worker?

A good Coffee Farm Worker is hardworking, dedicated, and has a keen eye for detail.

They need to be physically fit to endure long hours of manual labor in various weather conditions.

An interest in coffee cultivation and a willingness to learn new techniques can also be advantageous.

 

Is it difficult to hire Coffee Farm Workers?

Hiring Coffee Farm Workers can be challenging due to the physical demands of the job and the seasonal nature of the work.

Many coffee farms are located in rural areas, which can make attracting workers more difficult.

Offering competitive wages, good working conditions, and opportunities for learning and growth can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of being a coffee farm worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about picking coffee beans.

It’s about nurturing the growth of each coffee plant and harvesting the perfect beans to fuel the world’s coffee needs.

With our easy-to-use coffee farm worker job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every coffee bean picked contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become a Coffee Farm Worker (Complete Guide)

Jobs That Jaunt: The Most Hated Careers by the Masses

Coveted Careers: The Most Prestigious Jobs in the Market

Extreme Stress Alert: The Most Overwhelming Jobs Out There!

The Work Less Traveled: Unusual Jobs That Are Off the Beaten Path