Barista

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Barista for its on-site Rice Retail Dining locations. The role focuses on beverage preparation, customer service, and maintaining a fast-paced, clean café environment. Applicants should have 2+ years of barista experience and a valid food handler certification.

The position requires flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and weekends with potential overtime during peak periods. Training will emphasize safety, sanitation, and high-quality guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, sanitation standards, and safety procedures.
• Ability to speak and understand basic English.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and specialty beverages to standard.
• Provide friendly, efficient, and engaging guest service.
• Accurately take orders and process transactions through the POS system.
• Maintain speed and accuracy during peak service periods.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including station setup and breakdown.
• Restock products, cups, lids, and ingredients throughout service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all café areas.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Safety procedures

Following directions

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses and student government. Developing close‑knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Barista is an entry‑level position responsible for preparing beverages and providing excellent guest service in a fast‑paced café environment. This role supports daily operations by maintaining cleanliness, efficiency, and consistency while creating a welcoming and positive experience for all guests. This position is ideal for individuals beginning their hospitality journey with some prior café or food service experience.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a hospitality‑driven individual who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment and takes pride in delivering a consistent and welcoming guest experience. They are reliable, eager to learn, and bring a positive attitude to every shift. A strong candidate demonstrates attention to detail, communicates effectively with both guests and team members, and is motivated to grow within a dynamic café operation.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is fully on‑site across Rice Retail Dining café locations. Schedules may vary based on operational needs. Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. hours of operations. Per Rice Policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

• Work Environment: Fast‑paced café environment with exposure to kitchen equipment, coffee machinery, and high‑volume service periods.
• Work Hazards: Exposure to hot liquids, espresso equipment, cleaning chemicals, and wet/slippery floors.
• Work Schedule: Flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends. Overtime may be required during peak business periods.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment

Hiring Rate

$18 per hour. Non‑Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Two or more (2+) years of barista experience in a coffee shop or café setting
• Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent)

Preferences

• Prior café or food service experience preferred but not required

Skills:

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, sanitation standards, and safety procedures
• Ability to speak and understand basic English
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team
• Ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision

Essential Functions:

Beverage Preparation & Service

• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and specialty beverages to standard
• Provide friendly, efficient, and engaging guest service
• Accurately take orders and process transactions through the POS system
• Maintain speed and accuracy during peak service periods

Operations Support

• Assist with opening and closing duties, including station setup and breakdown
• Restock products, cups, lids, and ingredients throughout service
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all café areas
• Follow daily checklists and operational procedures

Quality & Standards

• Follow established recipes and presentation standards
• Adhere to food safety, sanitation, and university policies
• Properly use and maintain café equipment

Additional Responsibilities

• Any duty as assigned by supervisor

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.