What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Roaster position at Port City Java?
POSITION TITLE: Head Roaster PROBATIONARY: 60 Days
DEPARTMENT: Roasting and Warehouse STARTING SALARY: $45,00.00
REPORTS TO: VP of Roasting Operations
DETAILS: Full Time Monday through Friday
JOB DESCRIPTION:
THE ROLE
Coffee roasting at Port City Java is not a background operation. It is central to who we are. Our Head Roaster owns the full arc of production quality: executing roast profiles with precision, leading daily cuppings, mentoring the roasting team, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with our VP of Roasting to make sure every bag we put out meets the standard we have built this brand on.
This role demands both technical mastery and genuine leadership. You will manage equipment, inventory, and protocols, but the bigger part of the job is making sure the team around you is growing and consistent.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Execute all roasted coffee fulfillment according to profiles and quality standards set by the VP of Roasting
Set up and lead daily production cuppings, maintaining rigorous QC protocols throughout
Monitor, refine, and develop roast profiles in collaboration with the VP of Roasting, including profiles for new coffee releases
Maintain all roasting logs and track green and roasted coffee inventory levels at the Roastery
Oversee all preventative maintenance, cleaning, safety protocols, and equipment troubleshooting for roasting machines
Participate in production meetings with the VP of Roasting and broader team
Train new roasters and provide ongoing feedback and mentoring to ensure consistency across the team
Keep the roastery clean and organized alongside roasting and production team members
Assist with cupping classes for team members as needed
Support sample roasting of green coffee samples with the VP of Roasting
Participate in green coffee buying, including contracting and logistics
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
At least 5 years of specialty coffee roasting experience, preferably across a variety of roasting machines
Experienced coffee cupper with strong sensory evaluation skills
Deep technical understanding of roasting equipment, including comfort troubleshooting and working with technical support
Extremely detail-oriented, with genuine satisfaction from consistent, quality-focused execution of roasting protocols
Strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage time across a fast-paced production environment
Clear and effective communicator, both verbal and written
Proficient with email, Excel, and operations-related applications
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a positive, constructive manner
Excellent general coffee knowledge with a desire to keep learning
Intentional about reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact
Ability to travel locally, regionally, and internationally as needed
Availability to work 40 hours a week, with flexibility for responsibilities that fall outside standard M-F daytime hours
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to lift 50-75 pounds
Standing and walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
Work requires bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching
Occasional exposure to temperatures as low as 32°F
Ability to use warehouse equipment including forklifts, handcarts, pallet jacks, and ladders
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation commensurate with experience. Standard Salaried Employee Benefits (see Salaried Employee Handbook).
- Annual salary: $45,000
- Comprehensive benefits package available to eligible employees
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,000