Barista

Wednesday - Sunday availability needed!

Position Overview

Baristas at Olympia Coffee are hospitality professionals who contribute to every aspect of daily cafe operations. This role includes customer-facing service as well as essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the cafe clean, functional, well-stocked, and operating at a high standard. Baristas are expected to take shared responsibility for the space, equipment, and guest experience.

General Responsibilities

The Barista:

• Contributes to a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture
• Upholds Olympia Coffee’s standards for hospitality, coffee quality, and professionalism
• Participates in the ongoing development and care of the cafe and its systems
• Maintains strong working knowledge of coffee, food, and retail products
• Communicates clearly with all team membersto support smooth daily operations

On-Bar & Service Responsibilities

• Work a variety of scheduled shifts per week, including opening, mid, and/or closing shifts, based on the operational needs of the business
• Perform standard bar operations, including register, espresso bar, batch brew, and drink production for both in cafe service and mobile orders.
• Consistently and efficiently prepare high-quality beverages to Olympia Coffee standards
• Provide warm, genuine, and attentive customer service
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and calm cafe environment, even during high-volume periods
• Troubleshoot service flow, drink execution, and guest needs in real time
• Demonstrate effective conflict management and de-escalation skills when navigating challenging interactions with guests, maintaining safety, professionalism, and a welcoming environment

Cafe Cleanliness & Facility Care

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe cafe, both inside and outside, throughout each shift
• Complete daily, weekly, and periodic deep-cleaning tasks, including but not limited to:
  • Dishwashing and dish organization, bar, cafe, and restroom cleaning, floor care, trash, and recycling
• Follow established cleaning schedules and sanitation standards

Equipment Care & Maintenance

• Properly use, clean, and care for espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and other cafe equipment
• Perform routine maintenance tasks as trained (backflushing, grinder cleaning, calibration support, etc.)
• Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate equipment issues promptly to leadership

Inventory, Stocking & Prep

• Assist with stocking and restocking cafe supplies, retail items, and bar ingredients
• Support inventory accuracy through organization and communication
• Participate in prep work as needed to support service (syrups, batching, etc.)
• Help maintain efficient systems for product rotation, storage, and waste reduction

Desired Characteristics

• Passion for coffee, hospitality, and shared work
• Strong work ethic and willingness to engage in all aspects of cafe operations
• Demonstrated leadership or growth mindset in technical barista skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across diverse situations
• Ability to stay professional, calm, and collaborative under pressure
• Comfortable working in a team-centered, feedback-oriented environment
• Curious, adaptable, and open to ongoing learning and development
• Ability and willingness to cross train at other Olympia Coffee and/or Moonrise Bakery locations

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• This position is active and requires regular physical engagement throughout each shift. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move throughout the cafe for extended periods (typically 6+ hours)

• Frequent walking, reaching, bending, twisting, and squatting during service and cleaning tasks

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements related to espresso preparation, grinding, tamping, pouring, and dishwashing

• Ability to lift, carry, and move items such as milk crates, coffee bags, boxes, and equipment (up to approximately 40–50 lbs)

• Comfort working in close quarters behind the bar and navigating tight service spaces

• Ability to work at varying speeds, including sustained periods of high volume and fast-paced service

• Exposure to common cafe conditions, including heat, steam, water, cleaning chemicals, and food allergens

• Visual and auditory attention required to monitor equipment, timers, guests, and coworkers simultaneously

• Manual dexterity needed for equipment operation, cleaning, and maintenance tasks