About this role
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 Coffees 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 members to 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
Qualifications
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