Barista (4054)

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. is seeking a Barista to join our team in Columbia City, Seattle. The role focuses on guest service, beverage preparation, and keeping the cafe clean, stocked, and well-run. You will work a variety of shifts across the week and contribute to both in-cafe and mobile order service.

Ideal candidates are passionate about coffee, friendly, and able to stay calm and professional under pressure while helping train peers and maintain Olympia Coffee standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in cafe operations and customer service.
• Ability to work open, mid, and closing shifts as needed.
• Strong communicator with the team and guests.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality beverages and warm customer service.
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming cafe space.
• Operate espresso bar, batch brewers, and POS systems.
• Support inventory, prep, and cafe maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with team to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Passion for coffee

Hospitality mindset

Leadership potential

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Team mindset

Willingness to learn

Cross-location training

Tools

Espresso machines

Grinders

Brewers

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Columbia City - Seattle, WA 98118, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $21.30 - $22.30 Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, Wednesday - Sunday availability needed!

Position Overview

Baristas at Olympia Coffee are hospitality professionals who contribute to every aspect of daily cafe operations. This role includes customer-facing service as well as essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the cafe clean, functional, well-stocked, and operating at a high standard. Baristas are expected to take shared responsibility for the space, equipment, and guest experience.

General Responsibilities

• Contributes to a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture
• Upholds Olympia Coffee's standards for hospitality, coffee quality, and professionalism
• Participates in the ongoing development and care of the cafe and its systems
• Maintains strong working knowledge of coffee, food, and retail products
• Communicates clearly with all team members to support smooth daily operations

On-Bar & Service Responsibilities

• Work a variety of scheduled shifts per week, including opening, mid, and/or closing shifts, based on the operational needs of the business
• Perform standard bar operations, including register, espresso bar, batch brew, and drink production for both in cafe service and mobile orders.
• Consistently and efficiently prepare high-quality beverages to Olympia Coffee standards
• Provide warm, genuine, and attentive customer service
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and calm cafe environment, even during high-volume periods
• Troubleshoot service flow, drink execution, and guest needs in real time
• Demonstrate effective conflict management and de-escalation skills when navigating challenging interactions with guests, maintaining safety, professionalism, and a welcoming environment

Cafe Cleanliness & Facility Care

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe cafe, both inside and outside, throughout each shift
• Complete daily, weekly, and periodic deep-cleaning tasks, including but not limited to:
• Dishwashing and dish organization, bar, cafe, and restroom cleaning, floor care, trash, and recycling
• Follow established cleaning schedules and sanitation standards

Equipment Care & Maintenance

• Properly use, clean, and care for espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and other cafe equipment
• Perform routine maintenance tasks as trained (backflushing, grinder cleaning, calibration support, etc.)
• Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate equipment issues promptly to leadership

Inventory, Stocking & Prep

• Assist with stocking and restocking cafe supplies, retail items, and bar ingredients
• Support inventory accuracy through organization and communication
• Participate in prep work as needed to support service (syrups, batching, etc.)
• Help maintain efficient systems for product rotation, storage, and waste reduction

Qualifications: Desired Characteristics

• Passion for coffee, hospitality, and shared work
• Strong work ethic and willingness to engage in all aspects of cafe operations
• Demonstrated leadership or growth mindset in technical barista skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across diverse situations
• Ability to stay professional, calm, and collaborative under pressure
• Comfortable working in a team-centered, feedback-oriented environment
• Curious, adaptable, and open to ongoing learning and development
• Ability and willingness to cross train at other Olympia Coffee and/or Moonrise Bakery locations

Physical & Environmental Requirements

This position is active and requires regular physical engagement throughout each shift. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move throughout the cafe for extended periods (typically 6+ hours)
• Frequent walking, reaching, bending, twisting, and squatting during service and cleaning tasks
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements related to espresso preparation, grinding, tamping, pouring, and dishwashing
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items such as milk crates, coffee bags, boxes, and equipment (up to approximately 40-50 lbs)
• Comfort working in close quarters behind the bar and navigating tight service spaces
• Ability to work at varying speeds, including sustained periods of high volume and fast-paced service
• Exposure to common cafe conditions, including heat, steam, water, cleaning chemicals, and food allergens
• Visual and auditory attention required to monitor equipment, timers, guests, and coworkers simultaneously
• Manual dexterity needed for equipment operation, cleaning, and maintenance tasks