Barista

Rice University; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking an entry-level Barista to prepare beverages and deliver friendly guest service in a fast-paced campus café. You will support daily operations, keep stations clean, and help ensure a welcoming experience for all guests.

The ideal candidate is hospitality-driven, reliable, eager to learn, and a strong communicator who works well in a team. On-site across Rice Retail Dining locations with varied hours, including early mornings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of barista experience preferred.
• Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and other beverages to standard.
• Provide friendly, efficient guest service and assist guests as needed.
• Take orders and process transactions through the POS system.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café areas and equipment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Food handler certification

Tools

POS system

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:

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

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

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.