Seasonal Barista - Part-Time

CHAGEE USA; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tip eligible

Paid training

Free tea per shift

Flexible schedule

Job summary

CHAGEE USA is seeking energetic Charistas for a fixed-term seasonal role at South Coast Plaza. The position runs roughly 2-3 months with a potential path to permanent part-time for top performers. You will craft tea beverages, deliver stellar guest experiences, and work during peak holiday volumes.

Pay rate is $20 per hour, under 29 hours/week, with evenings and weekend shifts required. Training is provided, and benefits note applies to full-time staff outside this seasonal role.

Qualifications

• Food Handler's Permit required within 30 days of start date.
• Barista experience: 1 year preferred but not required.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and public holidays during peak season.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong team player with willingness to learn ad-hoc tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all drink orders to company standards with speed and consistency during high-volume peak periods
• Follow SOPs and preparation manual closely
• Learn and understand our menu to introduce new products and share tea insights with customers
• Provide excellent customer service during seasonal rush periods
• Maintain a clean and organized working area
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Efficiently operate POS and receive payment from customers accurately

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Upselling

Peak-season availability

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Position: Seasonal Tea Barista (Charista) Pay Rate: $20 per hour Employment Type: Seasonal, Part-Time (under 29 hours/week) Season Start Date: November Season End Date: Jan 15, 2027 Location: South Coast Plaza location Reports to: Store Manager

About CHAGEE

CHAGEE (pronounced CHAH-jee) is a modern teahouse with more than 7,500 locations globally. We are a global brand with proud roots in Yunnan, committed to bringing people together through tea. CHAGEE is awakening a modern tea movement, grounded in authentic heritage, fueled by cutting‑edge innovation, and crafted to nourish body and spirit. The Modern Tea Movement starts with you. At CHAGEE, we’re connecting the world through modern tea — making friends, pouring tea, and building careers along the way. Join a team rooted in tradition, fueled by purpose, and scaling a global movement across North America.

About This Seasonal Role

We’re gearing up for our biggest season yet, Thanksgiving through New Year’s - and we need energetic, tea-loving Charistas to help us deliver an exceptional guest experience at peak volume. This is a fixed‑term seasonal role running approximately 2-3 months, with the potential to transition to a permanent part‑time position for top performers.

What You'll Do

• Prepare all drink orders to company standards with speed and consistency during high-volume peak periods
• Follow SOPs and preparation manual closely
• Learn and understand our menu so you can introduce new products and share tea insights with customers
• Provide excellent customer service - especially during seasonal rush periods
• Maintain a clean and organized working area
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Efficiently operate POS and receive payment from customers accurately

What We're Looking For

• A passionate tea lover with a fun personality that adds to the CHAGEE culture
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong team player with a solid work ethic - peak season demands peak effort
• Ability to upsell and suggestive-sell items to all customers
• Willingness to learn other responsibilities and take on ad-hoc assignments
• Availability to participate in company training before your start date
• Barista experience: 1 year (preferred but not required)
• Food Handler's Permit required within 30 days of start date (company can assist)
• Ability to read and interpret instructional documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals
• Peak availability required: Must be available for evenings, weekends, and public holidays throughout the season - including Thanksgiving weekend, Black Friday, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year's Eve

Shifts Available

• Afternoon Shift
• Night / Evening Shift
• Weekends
• Public Holidays (required availability during peak season dates)

Your Benefits

• Tip eligible!
• Paid training
• Free tea per shift
• Flexible schedule

Note: 401k with company match, medical, vision, and dental benefits apply to full-time employees and are not included in this seasonal role.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking around the store
• May involve reaching, crouching, kneeling, and stooping
• Frequent use of computers and other technology including handheld equipment, cash register, and POS systems
• Frequently lift/move up to 25 lbs

Important Notes for Seasonal Employees

• This is a fixed-term seasonal position
• Hours are guaranteed to remain under 29 hours per week
• Top-performing Seasonal Charistas may be considered for permanent part-time conversion at season end - your Store Manager will communicate this process
• Food Handler's Permit must be obtained within 30 days of your start date

This is your chance to be part of one of the most exciting global tea brands entering the US market - and to experience CHAGEE at its most electric time of year.

CHAGEE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.