Equal Exchange Coffee Quality and Cupping Assistant

Based in West Bridgewater, MA

This is a coffee-centered role that sits within the unique intersection of specialty coffee and social justice. Work on a small, dynamic team at an organization who has paved the way in importing directly from small farmer coffee co-ops. Ideal for a coffee lover who has passion and interest in the complexity of “quality,” including tasting, sorting, roasting and brewing. This hands-on role is fast-paced and varied, including independence and teamwork, a love for organization and effective communication through a variety of methods (data and discussion).

Job Description

  • Employment Status: Full-time, hourly, worker-owner track employee

  • Hours: Variable

  • Salary Range: $21.63/hr–$24.03/hr ($45,000–$50,000 annual equivalent), depending on experience

  • Benefits: Health/dental/vision insurance coverage, vacations, holidays, sick days, eligibility for worker ownership

  • Department: Quality Control

  • Reports to: Quality Control Manager

Qualifications

  • Ability to communicate well and problem-solve

  • Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities

  • Ability to work well with others

  • Comfortable with computers and technology, such as Excel, Word, databases and

    E-Mail

  • Detail oriented

  • Food Service experience helpful

  • Coffee experience preferred

  • Coffee training experience helpful

  • Food Science background helpful

  • Foreign language skills desired

  • Works well alone and with a team

  • Ability to lift 50-75 lbs.

Responsibilities

Maintain and Update Systems for Monitoring Coffee Samples

  • Sort green coffee samples and record results.

  • Roast coffee samples for testing.

Monitor Roasted Coffee

  • Prepare morning cuppings for QC staff and roasters—record and communicate results with the team. Break down and clean up after cuppings are completed.

  • Participate in coffee cuppings 

  • Measure and analyze packaging for EE coffee products—record results

  • Perform QC checks on the production line

  • Calibrate, maintain, and track machine maintenance

Production Assistance:

  • Perform production tasks as needed; roasting, packing, paperwork, etc.

  • Fill production positions during vacations, sick leave, etc

Espresso Training:

  • Create/maintain tools to communicate best practices for using our espresso.

  • Support coworkers in understanding and using these tools.

  • Train customer staff, including baristas, on our best practices for creating espresso drinks.

  • Occasional travel, including out of state, to train customer staff/baristas at their store/cafe, approximately 6 times per year.

*Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Personnel & Worker Ownership/Fair Trade Development

  • Participate in staff, team, department, and educational (Exchange Time) meetings.

  • Understand our producer partners, trading policies, and the Fair Trade movement.

  • Understand and participate effectively in our worker cooperative model.

To Apply

Please provide your resume and answers to the following questions by email to apply@equalexchange.coop:

  1. How would this position impact Equal Exchange’s mission to help small farmers get what they want?

  2. Give an example of a project that you had to complete from start to finish.

  3. What qualities do you think Equal Exchange values in the products we sell?