Barista

Job Details: Job Location: Downtown Seattle

• Seattle, WA, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: $21.30 - $21.30Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant
• Food Service, 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 The Barista: 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