Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of coffee culture, the focus on baristas has never been stronger.

As more students turn to coffee for their daily energy boost, the demand for skilled hands who can create, enhance, and preserve the perfect cup heightens.

But let’s go deeper: What’s truly expected from a barista at a campus coffee shop?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the art of coffee-making,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable barista at campus coffee shop job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Duties and Responsibilities

Baristas at Campus Coffee Shops perform a variety of tasks related to coffee preparation and customer service.

They also ensure the cleanliness and organization of the coffee shop environment.

A Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop is primarily responsible for directly assisting customers, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee and tea drinks following specific recipes
• Understand and educate customers on the coffee shop’s offerings, including special blends or seasonal specials
• Maintain a clean and well-stocked workspace and coffee shop area
• Operate various types of coffee making equipment, such as espresso machines and grinders
• Take customer orders accurately and process payments efficiently
• Ensure high-quality customer service and resolve any customer complaints or issues
• Restock coffee shop supplies and ingredients as needed
• Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies
• Maintain knowledge of current coffee brewing techniques and industry trends

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an enthusiastic barista to join our campus coffee shop.

The barista’s responsibilities include preparing and serving coffee and tea drinks, educating customers on our drink menu, making recommendations based on their preferences, up-selling special items and taking orders.

Our ideal candidate should be able to create a welcoming and friendly environment for our customers while demonstrating a passion for coffee and a commitment to excellent service.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare or serve hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, and teas.
• Maintain clean and sanitized work areas, utensils, or equipment.
• Describe menu items to customers or suggest products that might appeal to them.
• Order, receive, or stock supplies or retail products.
• Provide customers with product details, such as coffee blend or preparation descriptions.
• Receive and process customer payments.
• Check temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, or heating equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Create signs to advertise store products or events.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Barista, Waiter or Waitress
• Hands-on experience with brewing equipment
• Knowledge of sanitation regulations
• Flexibility to work various shifts
• Basic math skills
• Ability to gauge customers’ preferences
• Excellent communication skills
• High school diploma; relevant training is a plus

 

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance (full-time employees)
• Opportunity for advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Barista
• Work Environment: Campus coffee shop setting. Some weekend and/or evening shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Coffee Shop Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10 to $15 per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Do?

A Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop serves a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff with a variety of coffee and tea beverages.

They are skilled in brewing, mixing, and serving coffee and tea, as well as creating specialty drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos.

They use different types of brewing equipment, coffee grinders, and milk frothers to prepare these beverages.

Baristas at campus coffee shops also typically prepare and serve a range of food items, such as sandwiches, pastries, or other snacks.

They are responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the serving and seating area, ensuring all health and safety regulations are adhered to.

They also handle the cash register, taking orders, processing payments, and providing change.

Customer service is a crucial part of the role, as they interact with customers, answering queries about the menu, offering suggestions, and ensuring that customers have a satisfactory experience.

Baristas may also be responsible for ordering supplies and ingredients, as well as inventory management.

They might have to take part in tasting sessions to understand the flavor profiles of different coffee beans and blends, thus contributing to the quality of the products they serve.

Lastly, a Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop may have to adapt to busy periods such as exam seasons and adapt their workflow accordingly, ensuring efficient service even during peak times.

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Knowledge of coffee brewing procedures and ability to prepare a variety of coffee drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, latte, and mocha.
• Customer service skills to greet and interact with customers, take orders, answer questions and provide excellent service in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Communication skills to effectively listen and understand customer orders and to interact well with coworkers and management.
• Ability to handle cash transactions, operate a cash register and accurately give change.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time, lift heavy items like bags of coffee beans, and perform cleaning tasks.
• Time management skills to efficiently process orders during peak times and to ensure all customers are served in a timely manner.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations, including maintaining a clean and safe work environment and following proper food handling procedures.
• Interpersonal skills for building relationships with regular customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere in the coffee shop.
• Patience and problem-solving skills to handle any customer complaints or issues that may arise.

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop typically require at least 6 months to a year of experience in the food service industry.

This experience can be gained through part-time roles, internships, or summer jobs in cafes, restaurants, or other eateries.

Entry-level baristas usually start by learning the basic skills such as operating espresso machines, frothing milk, and preparing simple coffee drinks.

They may also be involved in cash handling, customer service, and maintaining the cleanliness of the coffee shop.

As baristas gain more experience, usually around 2 years in the role, they can move into more complex tasks such as creating latte art, preparing specialty coffee drinks, and customizing orders based on customer preferences.

Those with over 3 years of barista experience often have advanced knowledge of different coffee beans, brewing methods, and latte art techniques.

At this stage, baristas may also have some experience in supervisory roles, making them suitable for positions such as shift supervisor or assistant manager.

In addition to practical experience, a love for coffee, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential for this role.

Training and certification from a recognized barista school or institution can also be an added advantage for candidates.

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Education and Training Requirements

Baristas at campus coffee shops typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

While many baristas receive on-the-job training, some may choose to attend barista training programs offered by coffee companies or culinary schools.

These programs teach students about different types of coffee, espresso, latte art, and customer service.

A strong background in customer service is important, as baristas interact with customers on a daily basis.

This can be gained through previous jobs in retail, food service, or other customer-facing roles.

Basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation, safety, and hygiene regulations is also beneficial for baristas.

Some baristas may choose to pursue a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification, which demonstrates their knowledge and skills in coffee preparation.

This is not typically required but can make a candidate more competitive.

Lastly, familiarity with cash register operation and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important for baristas at a busy campus coffee shop.

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Salary Expectations

A Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop can expect to earn an average wage of $11.63 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on experience, tips, location of the campus, and the specific policies of the university or college.

 

Barista at Campus Coffee Shop Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop need?

A Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop should have excellent communication skills to understand and fulfill customers’ orders accurately.

They should have a solid understanding of coffee making techniques, including espresso extraction and milk steaming.

Besides, they should have good interpersonal skills to engage with students, staff, and visitors on campus.

Knowledge about different coffee beans and ability to maintain coffee-making equipment is also important.

 

Do Baristas at Campus Coffee Shop need any formal education?

Baristas generally do not require formal education, but they should have a comprehensive understanding of various coffee types, brewing methods, and latte art.

Some coffee shops may prefer baristas with a barista training certification.

Experience in a similar role can be an added advantage.

Excellent customer service skills are a must.

 

What should you look for in a Barista resume?

A Barista resume should highlight relevant experience in a coffee shop or restaurant setting.

It should list skills such as knowledge about various types of coffee, ability to operate coffee machines, and excellent customer service skills.

It can also include any barista training courses or certifications completed.

 

What qualities make a good Barista at Campus Coffee Shop?

A good Barista is passionate about coffee and is always ready to learn more about brewing techniques and coffee beans.

They should have excellent customer service skills to ensure the customers have a positive experience.

A good Barista also has a keen eye for detail, ensuring each cup of coffee meets high-quality standards.

Being punctual, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment are also important traits.

 

What are the work hours for a Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop?

Work hours for a Barista at a Campus Coffee Shop can vary.

They might have to work early mornings, evenings, and during weekends based on the shop’s operating hours and the campus’ schedule.

They should be prepared to work during peak study times like finals week when the demand for coffee is high.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on what it truly means to be a barista at a campus coffee shop.

And surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about brewing coffee.

It’s about creating warm experiences and fueling academic dreams, one cup at a time.

With our go-to barista job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s brew that future. Together.

How to Become a Barista at Campus Coffee Shop (Complete Guide)

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