Diamond Grader, Associate

Job Summary:  

Perform the summative evaluation of diamonds in accordance with the International Diamond Grading System and document identifying features required for the initial draft of GIA Diamond Grading Reports.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform the following and other duties assigned to meet production goals (quality & quantity)

• Evaluate a diamond  and determine the initial clarity, polish and symmetry grades in accordance with GIA standards
• Follow standard grading methodology and examination techniques to evaluate a diamond using proper tools and devices (i.e. microscope, loupe, tweezers, etc.)
• Apply basic knowledge of GIA policies and procedures to identify characteristics present in the diamond, and electronically map observations onto a diagram by using GIA’s proprietary systems
• Learn to interpret and follow documentation policies and procedures to efficiently represent characteristics and treatments present in the diamond by using GIA’s proprietary systems
• Participate in ongoing professional training and testing for continuous grading development
• Meet required Diamond Grader (L4) qualification criteria (quality and quantity) within  specified timeline
• Perform other duties as assigned or per business needs

Complexity:

• Learn and follow defined procedures/guidelines to perform job; complete tasks through application of detailed procedural knowledge
• Use professional judgement to select appropriate action from defined procedures/guidelines; seek help from experienced staff and/or supervisor for troubleshooting non-routine issues
• Understand that GIA reputation is impacted if procedures are not followed and mistakes are made

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Personal accountability: learn and improve performance; take personal responsibility for decisions, actions & outcomes
• Technical knowledge: ability to learn, retain and apply grading knowledge (includes receiving and applying feedback from mentors/more experienced staff)
• Service mindset: drive and motivation to meet production and quality requirements
• Decision quality/Problem solving: ability to identify issues; know how to escalate an issue or to ask for guidance
• Analytical skills: learn to apply analytical thinking and deductive reasoning to daily work; ability to learn to articulate the issues/reasoning to reach the initial evaluation of diamonds
• Visual perception (being able to make sense of what you see), depth perception, understanding of spatial relationship – ability to map a 3-Dimensional object into 2-D diagram with accuracy
• Ability to use gemological equipment (microscope and loupe) to evaluate the diamond, and hand-held tools (tweezers, stone holder) to manipulate diamonds
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow standard procedures or instruction (proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English required)
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate professionally and collaborate with a diverse group of individuals - actively listen and communicate with others in a timely & professional manner; ask questions, receive and apply feedback; proactively participate in training discussions
• Sound skills in computer software (MS Office)
• Ability to work in close physical proximity with other staff, while utilizing shared equipment
• Detail oriented - ability to produce accurate detailed work and documentation
• Ability to work independently in a production-oriented laboratory environment
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to create positive interactions with colleagues and a team; actively communicate with others in a timely & professional manner; maintain good working relationship with others and peers
• Time management skills: approach work in an organized and systematic manner

Supervision / Autonomy / Authority:

Work under general supervision with instructions on day-to-day tasks; follow specific instruction when learning new tasks.

Education / Training / Experience Requirements:

High school diploma required. Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university with major in Earth Sciences preferred.

Must complete GIA Graduate Diamonds Program within 9 months of training start date.

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.