FOH Associate (Barista)

The Ecology Center; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA is seeking a Barista to join our café team and contribute to exceptional coffee experiences on a 28-acre regenerative organic farm and education center.

You’ll work in a values-driven environment that emphasizes sustainability, learning, and community, with opportunities to grow in coffee, hospitality, and teamwork while serving guests outdoors on weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Prior barista experience preferred.
• Food Handler and/or RBS certification preferred.
• Will need to work weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable outdoors and in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Craft consistently excellent coffee drinks and teas.
• Take and fulfill customer orders using a POS system with accuracy.
• Maintain deep knowledge of our menu, including seasonal and farm-sourced offerings.
• Support smooth day-to-day café operations, including keeping the bar clean and stocked.
• Assist in other FOH roles and collaborate with team members and leads.

Skills

Customer service

Coffee knowledge

Teamwork

Hospitality

Tools

POS system

Job description

Overview:We’re looking for a Barista to join our café team, someone who’s passionate about coffee, food, and hospitality, and inspired by the opportunity to work on a 28-acre regenerative organic farm and education center. As a Barista, you’ll help create exceptional coffee experiences for our guests while surrounded by the rhythms of the farm, the seasons, and a team committed to sustainability, learning, and community.This is more than a cafe job. It’s a chance to be part of a values-driven environment where every cup you serve is rooted in purpose.Key Responsibilities:Craft consistently excellent coffee drinks and teas according to our café standardsTake and fulfill customer orders using a POS system with accuracy and careMaintain deep knowledge of our food and beverage menu, including seasonal and farm-sourced offeringsSupport smooth day-to-day café operations, including:- Dialing in espresso and adjusting as needed throughout service- Keeping the bar, guest areas, and back of house clean, organized, and well-stocked- Assist in other FOH rolesCollaborate with team members and communicate clearly with leads and managersBe curious and engaged in learning about coffee, hospitality, and the broader mission of the farmWhy This Role is Special:You’ll work on a 28-acre regenerative organic farm and education center: a place that grows food with care for the land, teaches future farmers and food leaders, and connects community through good food and drinkYour daily environment includes open skies, seasonal produce, and a direct link between the farm and the café menuOpportunities to learn from chefs, farmers and educators who are shaping a more just and sustainable food systemPrior barista experience preferredFriendly, joyful, and team-orientedComfortable working in a fast-paced environmentWilling to work outdoorsAvailable to work weekends and holidaysFood Handler and/or Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certificationPhysical Requirements:Ability to stand and walk for extended periodsAbility to lift up to 20 lbs and perform tasks with hands repetitively