Diamond Grader Associate

Diamond Grader Associate (Day Shift)

Company: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

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: Mid‑town Manhattan, New York

Work Schedule: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Hourly rate: $22.75 per hour

Start date: TBD (late February to early March, 2026)

Promotion and pay increase within 18 months of hire if required professional development goals (education, productivity, and quality) are met.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Up to 8% 401(k) match and up to 8% annual bonus
• Paid vacation, sick, and holidays
• Tuition assistance and commuter benefits
• Casual dress code
• Reasonable hours that provide work‑life balance

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

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) preferred, with a major in Earth Sciences (geology, chemistry, biology, physics).
• One year of working experience in a fast‑paced, structured, self‑directed environment preferred.
• Must be available during the entire 12‑week training period.
• Job does not sponsor work visas.

• Application Review
• Phone prescreen (10–15 min)
• Interview with a lab leader (15–45 min)
• Technical interview on‑site with lab tour (30–90 min)

The employee will be constantly seated, using pinch grip and repetitive fine finger and hand motions throughout the day. The employee will reach forward constantly and occasionally upward and downward with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally need to talk, listen, and hear verbal conversations and commands. Standing and walking short distances infrequently may be required. Vision abilities required include: close vision (20 inches or less), depth perception, and color vision (D‑Z and fancy color ability).

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.

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 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.