Specialty Coffee Barista

Check n' Play; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Check N’ Play in California is seeking an experienced Specialty Coffee Barista to join our cafe team. You will craft high-quality espresso drinks, teas, matcha beverages, and specialty drinks with consistency and precision, delivering a warm, premium guest experience.

Ideal candidates have strong espresso knowledge, experience with La Marzocco and Mahlkönig equipment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining café standards and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Must be available to work weekends.
• Saturdays 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM.
• Sundays 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM.
• Typical shifts range from 4–8 hours.
• Previous specialty coffee experience required.
• Strong espresso knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Craft high-quality espresso drinks, teas, matcha beverages, and specialty drinks with consistency and precision.
• Dial in espresso shots, adjust grinder settings, and maintain beverage quality throughout shifts.
• Properly steam milk and execute latte art (preferred).
• Deliver a warm, premium customer experience while building relationships with guests.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked café environment.
• Support POS/register transactions and food preparation.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Uphold beverage and food quality standards at all times.
• Maintain workflow efficiency and café standards during high-volume periods.

Skills

Espresso dialing

Milk steaming

Customer service

Team player

Tools

La Marzocco

Mahlkonig

Job description

Benefits:

• tips
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

At Check N’ Play, we’re more than a play space — we’re a thoughtfully designed destination where families can connect, play, and recharge. Our café is at the heart of this experience, offering expertly crafted specialty coffee, signature drinks, and a curated selection of snacks and fast-casual bites, while our play floor provides a safe, clean, and engaging environment for children and caregivers.

We are currently seeking an experienced Specialty Coffee Barista to join our growing team.

About the Role

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about coffee, quality, and hospitality. This role is ideal for a barista who takes pride in their craft, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys creating memorable guest experiences.

Our café proudly serves MoonGoat Coffee Roasters and utilizes premium equipment including a La Marzocco espresso machine and Mahlkönig E80 grinder. Experience working with La Marzocco, Mahlkönig, or comparable high-end specialty coffee equipment is highly preferred.

The ideal candidate is confident dialing in espresso, maintaining consistency during busy service periods, and delivering elevated beverage quality with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Craft high-quality espresso drinks, teas, matcha beverages, and specialty drinks with consistency and precision
• Dial in espresso shots, adjust grinder settings, and maintain beverage quality throughout shifts
• Properly steam milk and execute latte art (preferred but not required)
• Deliver a warm, premium customer experience while building relationships with guests
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked café environment
• Support POS/register transactions and food preparation
• Assist with opening and closing procedures
• Uphold beverage and food quality standards at all times
• Maintain workflow efficiency, cleanliness, and café standards during high-volume periods

Availability & Requirements

• Must be available to work weekends
• Must be available to work:
• Saturdays between 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Sundays between 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
• Typical shifts range from 4–8 hours
• Previous specialty coffee experience required
• Strong espresso knowledge and understanding of coffee fundamentals preferred
• Must be reliable, detail-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Must work well independently and as part of a team

Bonus Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• Signature drink and seasonal menu creation
• Cold foam and creative beverage development
• Leadership or shift lead responsibilities
• Hospitality-forward guest service environments

What We Value

At Check N’ Play, we value:

• Reliability and professionalism
• Strong work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Hospitality and warmth
• A genuine passion for coffee culture and community

If you take pride in your craft and want to be part of a team that cares deeply about quality, experience, and community, we’d love to hear from you.