Diamond Grader Associate

Diamond Grader Associate (Day Shift) – Start a career that offers professional development opportunities and a great benefits package!

Do you like detailed work that emphasizes quality and precision? Are you self-motivated and grasp new information quickly? Would you like to receive paid on-the-job training and begin a career grading diamonds at the GIA Laboratory? Join our diverse global team of gemological professionals!

The Company: Founded in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. An independent, nonprofit organization, GIA protects the public trust in gems and jewelry by providing the education, research, and standards that consumers and the jewelry industry rely on to make informed purchase decisions.

Location: In the heart of the diamond district in midtown Manhattan, New York

The Job Title: Diamond Grader Associate

• Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday (8 hour shift)
• Hourly Rate: $22.75 per hour

Start Date: Late April 2026

• Career Growth: Promotion and commensurate pay increase within 18 months of hire if required professional development goals, including education, productivity and quality, are met.
• Why Should You Apply?
• We offer medical, dental and vision coverage, up to 8% 401-K match and up to 8% annual bonus!
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and casual dress code!
• Reasonable hours that provide work-life balance!
• Career Growth: Promotion and commensurate pay increase within 18 months of hire if required professional development goals, including education, productivity and quality, are met.
• We are seeking candidates with determination, great attitude and problem-solving skills to join our team!

Job Details

• Perform the initial examination of diamonds submitted to the GIA Laboratory for Diamond Grading Reports using a binocular microscope and tweezers
• Identify and document clarity characteristics on a plot diagram, assign polish, symmetry, and clarity grades within the GIA Diamond Grading System
• Participate in an intensive three month training period with hands-on individualized training
• Learn GIA Laboratory policies, procedures, to document pertinent data for GIA Diamond Grading Reports
• Collaborate with a diverse group of individuals; deliver and receive constructive feedback
• Must complete GIA Graduate Diamonds Program within 9 months of training start date (company paid)

Education and Experience

• We encourage candidates in the following industries to apply: production, food/beverage hospitality, manufacturing, art/media/design, healthcare, science/biotech and more!
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university preferred with major in Earth Sciences (earth sciences, geology, chemistry, biology, physics).
• One year working experience in a fast paced, structured and self-directed environment preferred.
• *Must be available during entire 12-week training period
• *Sponsorship for a work VISA is not available for this position

Application & Interview Process for Selected Candidates

1. Application Review 2. Phone Prescreen (10-15 mins) 3. Interview with a Lab Leader (15-45 minutes) 4. Technical Interview On-site with Lab Tour (30-90 minutes)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly seated. The employee is required to use pinch grip and, repetitive, fine finger and hand motions throughout the day. The employee is required to reach forward constantly, and occasionally upward and downward with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to talk and converse on a one-to-one basis; the employee is occasionally required to listen, and hear verbal conversations and commands.

The employee is required to stand and walk short distances infrequently.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and Color Vision (D-Z and Fancy Color- Ability to identify and distinguish colors).

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

About Us

Working at GIA

With a reach that spans the globe — GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through cutting edge gemological research and rigorous education programs. We have shaped the gem industry, protected millions of consumers and taught generations of jewelers and gemologists all over the world since 1931.

Comprising over 3,000 employees in 13 countries, GIA is a place of diversity, innovation, creativity and engagement. Whether you are passionate about science, history, design, education, IT or a corporate career, GIA has a place for you. Join one of the world’s most colorful and brilliant industries with an organization that serves the public good by bringing knowledge and objectivity to gems and jewelry.

What GIA Does

• Research that deepens the world’s understanding of gems and jewelry manufacturing and shares these findings with academia, the industry, and the gem-buying public
• Education that builds careers and enhances the knowledge and integrity of the gem and jewelry industry
• Standard setting that protects those who buy gems by ensuring the qualities of gems and jewelry are objectively and consistently described
• Laboratory services that provide an unbiased and scientific assessment of gem quality

Employee Benefits

GIA offers competitive salaries and exceptional benefits as well as training opportunities to employees all over the globe.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Crime Statistics (For U.S. Only)

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, GIA's current annual crime statistics are available at: Clery Report: Annual Disclosure of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics

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