About the Role
The Project Origin Quality Control Assistant role is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia’s leading specialty coffee importers in a full-time, hands-on and evolving position designed to support Project Origin’s fast-growing operations. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role will play a key part in our quality control and warehouse processes. The dominant tasks (70-80% of your week) will be roasting and managing samples and cuppings, and all things related to green coffee quality control, but will also include other operations tasks like packing coffee sacks on pallets for orders and loading/unloading trucks using a forklift (20-30% of your week).
We’re looking for a coffee lover that is flexible, reliable, and eager to grow, who’s excited by the opportunity to contribute to both lab-based quality work and warehouse operations. We believe the best teams are made up of individuals who are curious, hard-working, adaptable, and values-driven.
We are a small team and have high expectations of every team member. This job may be right for you if you:
* Thrive on challenges and problem solving
* Are passionate about specialty coffee
* Love dynamic working environments
* Always seek to improve yourself
* Enjoy being accountable for your work
About Project Origin
Project Origin is a purpose-driven company guided by values of quality, sustainability, and connection to community. We source and share outstanding green coffees from over 100 producers in 15+ countries. Our work is focused on building long-term relationships with producers, improving farming practices, and enhancing quality of life across communities.
Our team culture is collaborative, supportive, and growth-focused. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.
Job Details
* Location: Fyshwick, Canberra, ACT
* Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm
* Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (based on experience and skill set)
* Team: Reports to Operations Manager. Weekly tasks will be majority Lab/Quality Control related, but will include Warehouse duties as well.
Key Responsibilities
🧪 Lab & Quality Control (30–35 hours/week)
* Coordinate intake, storage, and quality assessment of all green coffee samples.
* Roast green coffee samples for internal evaluation and external stakeholders.
* Organise and support cupping sessions, including preparation, cleaning, and data recording.
* Maintain a clean, orderly lab environment and ensure cleaning duties are completed daily.
* Track sample inventory and replenish as needed.
* Package and dispatch green and roasted coffee samples to domestic and international partners.
* Communicate with suppliers about requested samples.
* Assist with the development and improvement of internal QC data tracking systems.
* Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve lab operations.
* Support other lab and admin functions as needed.
📦 Warehouse Support (5–10 hours/week)
* Pick, pack and prepare green coffee orders for dispatch with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.
* Use a forklift to load and unload trucks, and store pallets on racking up to 4.5m high
* Use pallet jack or forklift to move and organise stock
* Lift coffee sacks with assistance (up to 70kg weight, 2 person lift).
* Lift boxes and coffee sacks independently (up to 30kg weight by yourself).
* Extract samples from lots arriving at the warehouse for quality assessment.
* Assist with warehouse organisation and cleanliness.
* Assist with occasional site cleaning and maintenance (weeding, hedge trimming, leaf blowing)
* Willingness to be trained to use a forklift if not yet licensed (training provided).
What We’re Looking For
Required
* Prior experience in the coffee industry and a love of specialty coffee.
* Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Emails, Word, Excel) and Google Workspace.
* Physically capable of lifting and moving 60–70kg sacks (2 person lift).
* Willingness and ability to learn to use a forklift.
* Sharp attention to detail and strong work ethic.
* A proactive, self-driven attitude and a desire to work autonomously.
* Strong communication, organisation and time management skills.
* Open to feedback and committed to personal and team growth.
Nice to Have
* Forklift licence.
* Experience in warehouse, coffee roasting or QC environments.
* Valid driver's licence.
Why Join Project Origin?
* Fast-paced, high-performing team environment.
* Real work/life balance and a supportive team culture.
* A role that evolves with you – grow your skills and responsibilities over time.
* The opportunity to be part of a globally recognised company making real impact in the coffee world.