Barista (What About Coffee - Capitol Hills)

About Us

We take pride in delivering excellent coffee and service, creating a great experience for every guest.

Job Summary

You will also assist in inventory management, workflow efficiency, and upholding WACo’s coffee standards.

For qualified and experienced candidates, this role can expand into a Senior Barista position, which includes training and mentoring junior baristas to maintain high standards of coffee quality and service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee, teas, and specialty beverages following company standards.
• Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and quality across all drinks.
• Operate and maintain coffee equipment, ensuring proper calibration, cleaning, and functionality.
• Stay up to date with coffee trends, brewing techniques, and product knowledge.

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable customer service, engaging guests in conversations about coffee and menu offerings.
• Ensure a welcoming atmosphere, anticipating guest needs and making recommendations.
• Handle customer concerns professionally and efficiently to maintain positive guest experiences.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, equipment, and utensils in compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced café environment, ensuring smooth operations and teamwork.
• Assist in stock management, monitoring inventory levels and restocking supplies as needed.

• Train and mentor junior baristas, ensuring they understand brewing techniques, espresso extraction, milk texturing, and service etiquette.
• Conduct quality control checks, guiding teammates to maintain consistency and excellence in coffee preparation.
• Assist in developing training materials and standard operating procedures for new hires and existing team members.

Qualifications:

For Barista Level:

• At least 1 year of experience as a barista or in a café/hospitality role (specialty coffee experience preferred).
• Strong understanding of coffee brewing techniques, espresso extraction, and milk texturing.
• Passion for coffee with a willingness to continuously learn and improve.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a high-volume environment.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• A team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

For Senior Barista Level:

• At least 2+ years of specialty coffee experience with in-depth knowledge of brewing methods and coffee quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and develop junior baristas.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills to support café operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain coffee equipment.