Tech-Focused Barista – Co. Café

Verafin; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Verafin is seeking a tech-savvy Barista for the Co. Café at Co. Innovation Centre. In this vibrant role, you will serve specialty beverages and contribute to innovative culinary trials in a collaborative community space. The position offers valuable real-world experience and opportunities for networking in Newfoundland and Labrador's dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Benefits

Real-world café and innovation lab experience

Networking opportunities with membership and café patrons

Qualifications

• Previous barista or food/beverage experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of coffee brewing methods and equipment.
• Tech-savvy or comfortable using digital ordering and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee, tea, and craft beer beverages.
• Engage with customers, offering exceptional service.
• Record and analyze data from product testing and flavour trials.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Multitasking

Technical Skills

Education

Post-secondary student

Job description

Location: Co. Innovation Centre (COIC) – St. John’s, NL

Contact: Please submit your resume and expression of interest to [e-mail] with the
subject line Tech-Focused Barista – Co. Café
Applications will be accepted until end of business day, June 19, 2025

Term: Pending funding approval through until August 31, 2025, with the possibility of
extension

About Co. Innovation Centre
Co. Innovation Centre is Newfoundland and Labrador’s cross-sector hub for industry-led
innovation- accelerating commercialization, digital transformation, and economic resilience
across key sectors such as energy, mining, aerospace & defence, advanced manufacturing,
and oceans.

As a neutral space for convergence, collaboration, and co-creation, COIC empowers
businesses to tackle real-world challenges, develop dual-use technologies, and scale
solutions for remote and harsh environments. Through curated programming, pilot R&D
infrastructure, and development of global partnerships, we help position local companies
for global leadership in remote operations and cutting-edge technologies.

Our work is guided by two strategic goals: strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s
innovation ecosystem and establishing the province as a global destination for highperformance, future-ready industries.

About Co. Cafe
Co. Café, now operated by Co. Innovation Centre, is a vibrant public space where great
coffee meets regional innovation. The café spotlights Newfoundland and Labrador’s local
food and beverage makers through rotating features and live product testing- serving as a
“living lab” for culinary innovation. It’s a welcoming hub for meetings, tastings, and creative
connection in the heart of the province’s innovation ecosystem.

About the Role
We’re hiring a tech-savvy, independent Barista who’s excited to serve great coffee, food,
and craft beer while contributing to product trials and collaborative innovation. Our café
serves as a community gathering space and living lab, where experimentation meets
hospitality.

Key Responsibilities
Hospitality & Customer Service

• Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee, tea, and craft beer beverages with
  precision and care
• Serve food and advise of offerings available based on product detail and product
  provider
• Engage with customers, offering exceptional service and personalized
  recommendations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café, ensuring compliance with health
  and safety standards
• Operate and maintain café equipment, including espresso machines, beer taps, and
  grinders
• Manage inventory, restocking supplies as needed
• Assist in organizing and executing café events or promotions tailored to the tech
  community
• Participate in training sessions to stay up to date on trends and best practices
• Collaborate with team members to ensure a smooth and efficient work environment
• Operate a digital POS and automated brewing system
• Use cloud-based inventory software to track usage and support restocking
• Record and analyze data from product testing and flavour trials
• Support the development of data systems that help partners forecast ingredient and
  supply needs
• Share feedback and trial results using tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft
  Teams
• Work with internal and external stakeholders on new coffee and beer flavour
  development

Training & Support
Training will be provided in:

• Café operations and beverage preparation
• POS and inventory software
• Health, safety, and food handling standards
• COIC’s Work Alone Protocol and communication procedures
• Data tracking, sensory evaluation, and digital reporting

Requirements

• Previous barista or food/beverage experience is an asset
• Strong knowledge of coffee brewing methods and equipment
• Tech-savvy or comfortable using digital ordering and inventory systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
• Comfortable working independently in a structured environment
• Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Understanding of health and safety regulations in food service

Eligibility Requirements
Due to funding requirements, applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be a post-secondary student who has NOT yet graduated
• Be 19+ years of age (alcohol is served)

Café Hours

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  (Barista scheduling will be set weekly, based on staff availability and business
  needs.)

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world café and innovation lab experience
• Exposure to tech tools, flavour development, and product testing
• A strong resume addition
• Networking Opportunities with our membership and café patrons