BARISTA (2 x Vacant Positions) - White Whale Coffee Roasters, Cairns

White Whale Coffee Roasters; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

White Whale Coffee Roasters in Cairns is seeking two experienced Baristas to join our boutique team. You will deliver high-quality espresso, friendly service, and contribute to roastery activities.

This on-site role starts early in the morning and offers growth through cuppings, QA sessions, and product development within a supportive, family-owned environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience working as a barista in a specialty coffee or roastery environment.
• Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, milk texturing, and dialling-in.
• Passion for coffee, people, and delivering outstanding customer service.
• A proactive attitude, reliability, and pride in your work.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with cupping, quality analysis, and filter brewing is an advantage, but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality specialty coffee with speed, consistency, and care.
• Deliver a genuine and friendly customer experience every time.
• Maintain clean, organised, and efficient bar and service areas.
• Work closely with the roasting and bar team to uphold coffee quality standards.
• Participate in cuppings, tastings, and product development as required.
• Contribute positively to a supportive, collaborative team culture.
• Follow WHS and food safety procedures.

Skills

3+ years experience as barista

Espresso & milk texturing

Customer service excellence

Proactive attitude

Teamwork & communication

Job description

BARISTA (2 x Vacant Positions) - White Whale Coffee Roasters, Cairns

Pay: AU$71,500 per year + superannuation

Location: Portsmith QLD 4870

BARISTA (2 x Vacant Positions) - White Whale Coffee Roasters, Cairns

Please note - Applicants on working holiday visas without long term plans to stay in Cairns or those looking to complete their 88-days will not be considered suitable applicants. Only short-listed or successful applicants will be contacted.

About Us

White Whale Coffee Roasters is a renowned specialty coffee roaster and café based in Cairns, Far North Queensland. We’ve been proudly roasting coffee for over 15 years, with community, sustainability, and social responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

We remain a boutique, family-owned business — meaning you’ll be part of a close-knit, passionate team where your contribution truly matters.

About the Role

We are seeking 2x experienced and passionate Baristas to join our team.

As a Barista at White Whale, you’ll play an essential role in delivering consistently exceptional coffee and warm, professional service. You’ll bring energy, skill, and care to every cup, while sharing your love of specialty coffee with both customers and teammates.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy connecting with customers, and take pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and hospitality.

Alongside your daily bar work, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in roastery activities – from cupping and QC sessions, to new product innovation — helping you grow your coffee knowledge and skills as part of an experienced specialty coffee team.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and serve high-quality specialty coffee with speed, consistency, and care.

Deliver a genuine and friendly customer experience every time.

Maintain clean, organised, and efficient bar and service areas.

Work closely with the roasting and bar team to uphold coffee quality standards.

Participate in cuppings, tastings, and product development as required.

Contribute positively to a supportive, collaborative team culture.

Follow WH&S and food safety procedures.

What We’re Looking For

3+ years’ experience working as a barista in a specialty coffee or roastery environment.

Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, milk texturing, and dialling-in.

Passion for coffee, people, and delivering outstanding customer service.

A proactive attitude, reliability, and pride in your work.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

A willingness to learn, grow, and engage with the wider coffee program.

Experience with cupping, quality analysis, and filter brewing is an advantage, but not essential — enthusiasm and consistency are what matter most.

Reports to: General Manager & Business Owners

Location: Portsmith QLD 4870 (note: limited public transport; early starts required)

Please note -

This position is located in Cairns, Far North Queensland, where it is hot and humid most of the year, with high rainfall. There is no public transport to our location, and 5 AM starts are required.

Applicants on working holiday visas without long term plans to stay in Cairns or those looking to complete their 88-days will not be considered suitable applicants.