Barista

Barista /Barback

Location: The Ranch at Rock Creek

Department: Food and Beverage (Front of House)

Reports To: Food and Beverage Manager, Bar Lead

Position Summary

The Barista at The Ranch at Rock Creek is a multi-purpose role designed to provide expert coffee service, support of dining room operations, and cooperation with bar team to develop juices, drinks, and batches. This role requires elevated knowledge of our espresso equipment, creating artful coffee beverages, and maintaining the cleanliness of the coffee stations and the stock of coffee/tea service supplies. There will be overlap of this role with assisting our service staff, and our baristas are expected to maintain a guest facing appearance and etiquette while running drinks, running food, and clearing tables. Lastly, this role works in cooperation with the bar team to maintain par-levels of ingredients like citrus juices, syrups, and batches.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee and tea beverages, including espresso-based drinks, pour-overs, and seasonal specialties.
• Be knowledgeable of coffee origins, roast profiles, and preparation methods to educate and assist guests.
• Calibrate espresso machines and grinders daily to ensure consistent flavor and quality.
• Assist servers in the delivery of food and beverages to guest tables with professional etiquette.
• Monitor guest tables continuously to clear used glassware, silver, and plates (pre-bussing).
• Reset tables according to Forbes Five-Star standards, ensuring linens, silver, and glassware are perfectly aligned.
• Support the service team without being prompted.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the coffee station, including restocking milks, syrups, and dry goods.
• Deep clean espresso equipment, carafes, and service areas at the end of every shift.
• Take initiative to be aware of bar ingredient par-levels and replenish as needed.
• Produce juice in bulk for use in dining room and behind the bar.

Qualifications and Requirements

Prior experience as a barista in a specialty coffee shop or high-end hospitality environment.

Knowledge of manual espresso machines, milk steaming techniques, and latte art.

Ability to multitask between beverage preparation and dining room support during peak service hours.

Excellent verbal communication skills to coordinate with both the kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Strong "floor awareness" to anticipate guest needs and assist servers before being asked.

Ability to stand and walk for 8 to 10-hour shifts and carry heavy service trays across uneven ranch terrain.

Capability to lift up to 30 lbs, including crates of milk or large coffee carafes.

Commitment to premium grooming and uniform standards consistent with a Forbes Five-Star property.

Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as required by ranch occupancy.

Knowledge of health and safety regulations regarding food handling and equipment sanitation.

Proactive mindset to troubleshoot minor equipment issues or identify inventory needs.

Ability to navigate various service environments, including the Buckle Barn, Blue Canteen, or outdoor event spaces.

Disclaimer: The Ranch at Rock Creek is an equal opportunity employer. All offers of employment are conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check and verification of legal authorization to work in the United States.