Barista

Air Education and Training Command; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex-Time

Base amenities access

Within-grade-increase eligibility

Job summary

Air Education and Training Command at Vance Air Force Base seeks qualified individuals to craft and serve beverages in a busy coffee operation.

The role involves operating a commercial espresso machine, preparing specialty drinks, handling cash, and keeping the station clean, with flexible hours (0–40 per week) and potential pay increases based on performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in specialty coffee preparation or similar activity is preferred.
• Space constraints: knowledge of recipe variations and flavor profiles is desirable.
• Must be able to operate espresso equipment safely and follow sanitation practices.
• Able to memorize standard and customer-specific drink recipes.
• Must be physically able to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specialty beverages on a free-standing coffee setup using an espresso machine.
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages and light food items while following recipes.
• Operate the cash register and provide change to customers.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and stock supplies as needed.

Skills

Coffee preparation

Espresso machine operation

Cash handling

Sanitation knowledge

Drink recipes memorization

Tools

Cash register

Food prep equipment

Job description

Summary

Calling all Baristas! Vance Air Force Base is brewing up an exciting new coffee shop, and we are looking for qualified and motivated individuals to craft and serve up beverages.

• Flex-Time (0 to 40 hours weekly)
• Eligible for multiple pay increases over time, upon successful performance (Within-grade-increase).
• Access to base amenities (gym, childcare facility, golf, craft programs, and more!)

Duties

1. Prepares specialty beverages in a free-standing coffee operation. Operates a commercial grade espresso machine. Grinds fresh coffee beans. Prepares beverage by adjusting the grind of the beans, dosing the amount of coffee to be used, tamps down the ground coffee in the basket and obtains the desired extraction. Completes non-alcoholic specialty beverages according to customer requests and established recipes. Drinks included by may not be limited to cappuccinos, brewed coffees, lattes, espressos, hot chocolate, Frappuccino, etc. Must select proper ingredients and adjust recipes for customers if requested.

2. Serves other mixed (non-alcoholic) beverages such as iced coffees, fruit drinks, smoothies and more by selecting proper ingredients and following recipes. Serves and prepares assorted items such as sandwiches, cookies, muffins, pastries etc.

3. Serves patrons directly, receives payment, operates cash register and returns change to patrons. Maintains the machine in good working order following cleaning instructions and proper sanitation methods. May be required to open and close facility.

4. Sets up work area for operations and obtains cash bank. Maintains that work area is neat and clean. Sets up/cleans tables for customers and replenish condiment items and stocks as necessary. Sets up and operates dishwasher, performs preventative maintenance and cleaning. Scrapes, soaks, scours glassware, dishes and utensils as required. Also performs heavy duty cleaning tasks as required such as, coffee machines, ceilings, under and behind equipment, refrigerators, washes floors and walls, sanitizes garbage cans and etc. May unload and organize stock from delivery truck. Collects/transfers trash from work area to disposal area.

5. Assists with inventories, identifies items for re-ordering. May be required to prepare documentation for cash funds accountability.

Conditions of employment

• This position requires the incumbent to complete a background investigation with favorable results.
• Must be able to obtain a Food Handler's Certificate and/or complete food handler's training.
• Must satisfactory complete a pre-employment physical.
• May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty (evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call).

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 10/01/2026

Business Based Action, Military Spouse Preference, Outside Applicant Veteran, and Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if the position allows for qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Qualifying Experience:

Experience in and knowledge of methods and procedures relating to specialty coffee preparation or similar activity is preferred. Knowledge of a variety of drink recipes and knowledge of coffee beans and teas typically served at a specialty coffee operation is desirable. Must be able to know how to safely use the equipment such as an espresso machine and have knowledge in sanitizing. Must be able to memorize specialty coffee drink recipes. Must have the ability to follow oral and/or written instructions, work safely, and do simple arithmetic. Must be physically able to frequently lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to continuously stand, walk, stoop, push, pull and bend for long periods of time.

Physical Effort: Continual standing and walking, and frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling and bending. Frequently lifts or moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted and occasionally lifts or moves objects weighing over 30 pounds with assistance.

Working conditions: High temperatures and humidity are created by steam and heat as drinks are dispensed and dishes are washed. Area is usually noisy and there is danger of slipping on wet floors or where food or beverage has been dropped. Exposed to hot liquids and hot working surfaces. Extreme temperature changes when pulling stock from freezer units.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. This position does not allow for education substitution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

• Individual must fully meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
• U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. Territory for three (3) or more consecutive years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation or a signed memorandum indicating the installation's decision on the 3-year residency requirement..
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• A probationary period may be required.
• Pre-employment requirements must be satisfactorily met prior to Entrance on Duty (EOD).
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this job opportunity announcement. And additional selections may also be made from this job opportunity announcement.
• Selection(s) are subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible.
• This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
• Applicants must be able to provide a REAL ID or present a combination of source identity documents authorized to facilitate access to the installation. Please contact the servicing HR Office with any questions.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.