What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coffee Roaster Apprentice position at Utopian Coffee?
Join a Roastery That Cares Deeply About Quality
At Utopian Coffee, we believe exceptional coffee starts long before it reaches the cup. We are committed to ethical sourcing, precision roasting, and building a company that values craftsmanship, humility, and continuous improvement. As a 2025 Roaster of the Year Finalist, we are looking for a Coffee Roaster Apprentice who wants to learn the craft the right way and grow with a team that cares deeply about quality at every stage.
This is a unique opportunity to be mentored in the consistency, integrity, and daily execution of a growing specialty coffee roastery.
Position Overview
As our Coffee Roaster Apprentice, you will be immersed in the day-to-day rhythm of the roastery while training to take on key production responsibilities. You will learn how to execute roast profiles with consistency, maintain accurate production records, support quality control through sensory evaluation and cupping, assist with green coffee inventory, and care for the equipment and environment that keep the roastery running at a high level.
You will work closely with our coffee leadership team to ensure every batch reflects the quality standards Utopian is known for.
What You’ll Learn and Do
- Learn to operate commercial roasting equipment safely and efficiently
- Train to execute established roast profiles with precision and consistency
- Log roast data and production information accurately in roasting and production software
- Participate in cuppings and quality control processes to develop sensory skills and coffee knowledge
- Assist in receiving, organizing, staging, and tracking green coffee inventory
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe production environment
- Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance on roasting equipment
- Support packaging and fulfillment teams as needed
- Communicate clearly with the team regarding quality concerns, equipment issues, or production needs
What We’re Looking For
- At least 1 year of coffee roasting experience, or 3 years of experience as a specialty coffee barista
- A consistent, process-oriented mindset and strong attention to detail
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with hands-on equipment
- The ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy materials as needed
- Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling 25 to 70 pounds, and repeatedly co-lifting or moving up to 150 pounds with mechanical assistance
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude
- A genuine passion for specialty coffee and a willingness to learn
- Familiarity with coffee roasting fundamentals, sensory evaluation, or roast development is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- $22–$24 per hour
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Unlimited coffee during shifts
- Ongoing professional development and training in specialty coffee
Why Work at Utopian Coffee?
We are building something with intention, from the way we partner with producers around the world to the way we care for our local team. We believe in doing excellent work, treating people well, and growing in a way that protects quality rather than sacrificing it.
If you take pride in craft, care about details, and want to learn how to produce exceptional coffee every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22 - $24