Barista

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Other employee benefits

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Barista for its cafe in Houston. This entry‑level role focuses on beverage preparation and delivering friendly guest service in a fast‑paced environment.

The position supports daily operations with cleanliness, efficiency, and consistency while creating a welcoming experience for every guest. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of barista experience, strong customer service, and reliable teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years barista experience in a coffee shop or café setting.
• Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent).
• Preference for prior café or food service experience.

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.
• Open/close duties, station setup, restock, and keep areas clean.
• Follow recipes, safety, and sanitation standards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Sanitation knowledge

English language

Multitasking

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Job description

Job Description

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

• 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 the Fair Labor Standards Act 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.

Benefits

Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and other employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 contact the Rice University Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.