Coffee Barista

Core Spaces; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Voice in the company

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Core Spaces is seeking a Barista for New Here Coffee, located inside its student housing communities. You will craft drinks, welcome residents and guests, and support cafe operations with a positive, customer-first approach.

The role offers a friendly campus ambiance, opportunities to engage with students, and a chance to grow within a collaborative, values-driven company culture at Core Spaces.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and a customer-first mindset.
• Reliable, punctual, adaptable in a fast-paced cafe environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and stand for long shifts.
• Reliable weekday morning/afternoon availability, occasional weekends.

Responsibilities

• Be the friendly face behind the counter, welcoming students and guests with energy and positivity.
• Craft espresso drinks, teas, and house specials with consistency and care.
• Learn and follow New Here Coffee recipes, quality standards, and café operating procedures.
• Handle payments quickly and accurately using the POS system.
• Keep the café stocked, organized, and clean—ready for that morning rush or afternoon pick-up.
• Support your team during peak hours to ensure smooth operations and great customer experiences.
• Help set the tone for the café by curating music and maintaining an upbeat atmosphere.
• Represent the Core Spaces and New Here Coffee brands with professionalism and friendliness.

Skills

Excellent communication

Reliability & punctuality

Customer-first mindset

Fast-paced cafe environment

Weekday morning/afternoon availability

Lift up to 25 pounds

Tools

POS system

Job description

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

At New Here Coffee, we fuel campus energy, connection, and culture—one cup at a time. Located inside Core Spaces’ student housing communities, New Here Coffee is a favorite stop for residents, classmates, and caffeine seekers alike. We pride ourselves on quality drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and a vibrant community feel that enhances the student living experience. Whether students are rushing between classes, looking for a quiet study break, or hanging out with friends, New Here Coffee is their on-campus destination for great coffee and great vibes.

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Generous PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services

Position Overview

As a Barista at New Here Coffee, you’ll bring energy, consistency, and positivity to every shift. You’ll craft drinks with care, create a welcoming environment, and support smooth operations while embodying Core Spaces’ commitment to community and connection.

What You Will Do

• Be the friendly face behind the counter, welcoming students and guests with energy and positivity
• Craft espresso drinks, teas, and house specials with consistency and care
• Learn and follow New Here Coffee recipes, quality standards, and café operating procedures
• Handle payments quickly and accurately using the POS system
• Keep the café stocked, organized, and clean—ready for that morning rush or afternoon pick-up
• Support your team during peak hours to ensure smooth operations and great customer experiences
• Help set the tone for the café by curating music and maintaining an upbeat atmosphere
• Represent the Core Spaces and New Here Coffee brands with professionalism and friendliness
• Ensure availability to work a minimum of 15 hours each week, as determined by the Coffee Manager.
• Schedules may vary based on business needs.
• Commit to working full shifts, which consist of a minimum of 3 hours per shift on-site at the property.
• Flexibility is essential, including the ability to work additional hours, evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ideally, You'll Have

• A passion for coffee or a willingness to learn quickly
• Excellent communication skills and strong customer-first focus
• Reliability, punctuality, and a positive, adaptable attitude
• Comfort in fast-paced, busy café environments
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and be on your feet for most of your shift
• Reliable availability during weekday mornings, afternoons, and occasional weekends

You’ll Crush It If You Have Experience With

• Experience working in coffee shops, retail, food service, or other customer-facing environments
• Knowledge of brewing techniques, espresso machine operations, or café service standards
• Involvement in campus events, student organizations, or hospitality-focused roles

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Coffee Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Disclaimer

Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation range listed reflects the base salary or hourly rate that we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, seniority, geographic location, and business needs.

This role may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, including bonuses, commissions, stipends, or non-cash incentives, depending on position and performance. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other role-based offerings, subject to eligibility requirements.

All compensation components are subject to change based on business needs or market conditions.