About the Role

The Project Origin 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 Quality and Operations Coordinator, this role will play a key part in our quality control and warehouse processes—from roasting and managing samples to packing coffee sacks on pallets and loading trucks using a forklift.

We’re looking for someone 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: $58,000–$70,000 (based on experience and skill set)

Team: Reports to Quality and Operations Coordinator and collaborates closely with the Warehouse Lead. Daily tasks will include both Warehouse and Lab duties.

Key Responsibilities

🧪 Lab & Quality Control (25–30 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 (10–15 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 or strong interest in specialty coffee.

Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Emails, Word, Excel) and Google Workspace.

Physically capable of lifting and moving 60–70kg sacks (with assistance).

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.