Barista

StaffedUp; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Sage in downtown Columbia seeks an experienced Barista passionate about craft coffee to join our team. You will prepare espresso drinks and other beverages to Sage standards, delivering a warm, guest-focused experience while maintaining a clean, efficient cafe environment.

We value a strong foundation in specialty coffee, reliable attendance, and collaborative teamwork to support daily cafe operations and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Previous barista experience in a craft or specialty coffee environment.
• Strong foundation in espresso preparation and milk steaming.
• Genuine interest in coffee and desire to continue developing your craft.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Warm, thoughtful customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso drinks and other beverages according to Sage recipes and standards.
• Consistently produce high-quality drinks with attention to taste, presentation, and detail.
• Provide warm, attentive service and help create a welcoming experience for every guest.
• Operate the register and assist guests with menu questions and recommendations.
• Restock ingredients, supplies, and service areas throughout the day.
• Maintain a clean, organized bar and cafe environment.
• Support opening, closing, cleaning, and other daily cafe responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with the broader Sage team and pitch in where needed.

Skills

Espresso preparation

Milk steaming

Customer service

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Tools

POS system

Job description

About Sage

Sage is a from-scratch cafe in downtown Columbia focused on thoughtfully made food, French-inspired pastry, and craft coffee. We care about quality ingredients, attention to detail, and creating an experience that feels special without feeling fussy.

Our team takes pride in the craft behind what we serve, from freshly baked pastries to carefully prepared coffee and food.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Barista who is excited about craft coffee and wants to be part of what we’re building at Sage.

This role is a great fit for someone who already has a strong foundation in specialty or craft coffee and wants to continue developing their skills in a cafe where quality and consistency matter. You’ll prepare espresso and other beverages with care while also creating a warm, welcoming experience for every guest.

Our baristas are an important part of the entire cafe experience, so we’re looking for someone who enjoys both the craft behind a great drink and the hospitality that comes with serving it.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare espresso drinks and other beverages according to Sage recipes and standards
• Consistently produce high-quality drinks with attention to taste, presentation, and detail
• Provide warm, attentive service and help create a welcoming experience for every guest
• Operate the register and assist guests with menu questions and recommendations
• Restock ingredients, supplies, and service areas throughout the day
• Maintain a clean, organized bar and cafe environment
• Support opening, closing, cleaning, and other daily cafe responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with the broader Sage team and pitch in where needed

What We’re Looking For

• Previous barista experience in a craft or specialty coffee environment
• A strong foundation in espresso preparation and milk steaming
• Genuine interest in coffee and a desire to continue developing your craft
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency
• Warm, thoughtful customer service and communication skills
• Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to work well as part of a team

Schedule & Availability

Weekend availability is important for this role. We’re looking for someone with reliable availability who can consistently support the cafe’s schedule and service needs.

Why Sage

At Sage, we care deeply about the details, but we also care about the people behind them. You’ll be part of a team that values craft, quality, creativity, and hospitality while continuing to build something special in downtown Columbia.