Coffee Roaster Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of gourmet culture, the focus on coffee roasters has never been stronger.

The coffee industry continues to evolve, and with each innovation, the need for skilled artisans who can roast, blend, and preserve our coffee experience grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a coffee roaster?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of coffee roasting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made coffee roaster job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Coffee Roaster Duties and Responsibilities

Coffee Roasters perform a variety of tasks related to roasting and processing coffee beans to develop specific flavors and profiles.

They are also often responsible for quality control, ensuring the beans are roasted to their optimal level.

Here are the key duties and responsibilities of a Coffee Roaster:

• Select, purchase and store green coffee beans
• Roast coffee beans to specified profiles and monitor the roasting process to ensure consistency
• Conduct quality control tests, such as cupping, to assess the flavor, aroma and visual characteristics of roasted beans
• Maintain and clean roasting equipment to ensure optimal functionality
• Package and label roasted coffee for distribution and sale
• Monitor inventory levels of green and roasted beans
• Experiment with different roast profiles to develop new flavors and blends
• Stay updated about the latest trends in coffee roasting and brewing
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations

 

Coffee Roaster Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated Coffee Roaster to join our team.

The Coffee Roaster will be responsible for roasting and blending coffee to ensure the highest quality of product.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for coffee, a keen sense of smell and taste, and the ability to maintain the consistent quality of our products.

Previous experience in coffee roasting and familiarity with different roasting equipment are preferred.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate coffee roasting machines and other related equipment
• Maintain the quality of coffee beans during the roasting process
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of roasting equipment
• Blend coffee beans to create unique flavors
• Test the quality of the roast and adjust the process as needed
• Monitor inventory of green coffee and supplies
• Assist in packaging, labeling, and shipping coffee orders
• Keep accurate records of roasts and blends
• Stay current with industry trends and new roasting techniques

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Previous experience in coffee roasting preferred
• Excellent sense of smell and taste
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Strong attention to detail
• Basic math and computer skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to coffee roasting

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coffee Roaster
• Work Environment: Roasting facility. This role may require working in a hot environment and standing for long periods of time.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• 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 Roaster Do?

Coffee Roasters are specialized professionals in the coffee industry.

They are primarily responsible for transforming green coffee beans into the brown ones that are used to brew our daily coffee.

Their main task involves operating roasting machines to roast batches of coffee beans.

They need to carefully control the time and temperature of the roasting process to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Coffee Roasters also test samples of roasted beans and brew coffee to ensure the quality and taste.

If the coffee doesn’t meet the desired standards, they adjust the roasting process accordingly.

They often work closely with coffee growers, suppliers, and coffee buyers to source high-quality coffee beans.

They may also collaborate with coffee tasters or cuppers to develop new flavor profiles.

In addition, Coffee Roasters are responsible for maintaining and cleaning roasting machines and other equipment to ensure optimal performance.

They may also need to package and label roasted coffee for retail sale or wholesale distribution.

Some Coffee Roasters may also be involved in training others, such as baristas, on how to properly grind and brew the roasted coffee.

And, if they work for a specialty coffee shop or roastery, they may also interact with customers, sharing information about the origins of the beans and the roasting process.

 

Coffee Roaster Qualifications and Skills

A proficient coffee roaster should possess the skills and qualifications that comply with the position’s requirements, such as:

• Knowledge of different types of coffee beans and understanding how each type affects the flavor of the coffee
• Ability to operate and maintain roasting equipment to ensure the quality and consistency of each batch
• Strong observational skills to monitor the color, smell, and sound of beans and determine when they are ready
• Physical stamina and strength to handle heavy roasting equipment and stand for long periods of time
• Attention to detail to record and follow specific roasting recipes and profiles
• Time management skills to efficiently roast multiple batches without compromising quality
• Excellent sensory skills to evaluate coffee quality and flavor through cupping
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve issues that may arise during the roasting process
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a team and interact with suppliers and customers

 

Coffee Roaster Experience Requirements

Entry-level coffee roasters may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through a part-time role or apprenticeship in a coffee shop or roasting company.

During this time, they can gain hands-on experience in areas such as coffee quality assessment, blending, and roasting.

Candidates with up to 3 years of experience often refine their knowledge of different coffee beans and their characteristics, the roasting process, and the subtle art of tasting and evaluating coffee.

They also learn to handle coffee roasting equipment and gain familiarity with the maintenance and troubleshooting of such machinery.

Individuals with more than 5 years of experience in the coffee roasting field may have developed a high degree of expertise and may be ready to take on a head roaster or managerial position in a roasting company.

They may also have experience in sourcing and procuring coffee beans, managing roasting schedules, and maintaining quality control.

This level of experience can often involve training and supervising junior staff members.

In addition to these, a passion for coffee, a keen palate, and the ability to work under heat conditions are vital to succeed in this role.

 

Coffee Roaster Education and Training Requirements

Coffee Roasters often start their careers with a high school diploma or equivalent and gain skills through hands-on experience.

However, many coffee roasters also opt for formal education through specialized courses offered by coffee schools or associations.

These programs can provide an understanding of the science of coffee roasting, different types of coffee beans, the roasting process, and the machinery involved.

Further, they also teach about quality control, packaging and distribution of the roasted coffee.

Certification from an accredited institute or association, such as the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), can add credibility and demonstrate a professional commitment to the craft.

For those seeking to excel in their career, advanced courses focusing on the nuances of coffee flavors, the influence of terroir on coffee beans, and the art of blending different coffees can be helpful.

Moreover, knowledge of fair trade practices and sustainability issues in the coffee industry could be advantageous.

Since the role involves handling equipment, having a basic understanding of machinery maintenance is beneficial.

While not always necessary, previous experience in the coffee industry, such as working as a barista or in a coffee shop, can provide practical insights and a foundational understanding of coffee and its consumers.

Continuing education is also vital for a Coffee Roaster as the industry constantly evolves with new techniques, equipment and coffee varieties.

This continuous learning can help to maintain and improve the quality of the roast.

 

Coffee Roaster Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Coffee Roaster is $39,474 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, level of skill, location, and the size of the company where the roaster is employed.

 

Coffee Roaster Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Coffee Roaster need?

Coffee Roasters need a keen sense of taste and smell to assess the quality of coffee beans and the flavor of the final product.

They should have a strong understanding of roasting techniques and be able to operate and maintain roasting machines.

Good physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy sacks of coffee beans is important.

They should also have good attention to detail for quality control, record keeping, and following specific roasting profiles.

 

Do Coffee Roasters need a degree?

While a degree is not required to become a Coffee Roaster, some do have degrees in fields like food science or culinary arts.

However, on-the-job training is typically provided, and experience in the coffee industry can be beneficial.

Some Coffee Roasters choose to pursue certification through the Specialty Coffee Association, which offers courses on coffee roasting, green coffee buying, and coffee tasting.

 

What should you look for in a Coffee Roaster resume?

A Coffee Roaster’s resume should ideally show experience in the coffee industry and knowledge about coffee beans and roasting techniques.

Any certifications related to coffee roasting would be a plus.

Look for indications of attention to detail, mechanical skills, and physical stamina.

If the position involves managing others, leadership experience is a must.

 

What qualities make a good Coffee Roaster?

A good Coffee Roaster has a strong passion for coffee and a desire to constantly learn and improve their craft.

They have a keen sense of taste and smell, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to multitask.

Good physical stamina for handling heavy sacks of coffee beans and mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining roasting equipment are also key qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Coffee Roaster?

Hiring a Coffee Roaster can be challenging as it requires finding someone with the right blend of sensory skills, mechanical aptitude, and passion for coffee.

You may need to offer competitive pay, opportunities for growth, and a positive working environment to attract the best candidates.

However, with the right hiring strategy, you can find a Coffee Roaster who will help your business thrive.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a rich, aromatic taste of what it truly means to be a coffee roaster.

And guess what?

It’s not just about roasting beans.

It’s about crafting the perfect cup of coffee, one bean at a time.

With our comprehensive coffee roaster job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to start brewing your career.

But why stop there?

Perk up your skills with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting finely-tuned job listings or perfecting your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every coffee bean is a part of a bigger brew.

Let’s create that perfect cup. Together.

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