Barista

Job Description: Barista

Reports To : Cafe General Manager

Job Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

About Us: ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. With an excellent coffee program, baked goods, savory menus, takeout, and a small beer and wine list, we aim to be a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists in San Luis Obispo.

The Role: We're looking for a barista with a genuine passion for coffee, a natural warmth with guests, and the ability to stay calm and efficient during a rush. The ideal candidate is an all-things-coffee enthusiast who keeps calm under pressure, takes pride in every pour, and enjoys the rhythm and community of a neighborhood cafe.

Our three core values shape everything we do: Authenticity, Respect, & Enthusiasm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Hospitality & Service

• Demonstrate a commitment to providing an outstanding, hospitable experience for every guest. In doing so: greet every guest with warmth; keep service friendly, efficient, and welcoming
• Take orders accurately, answer menu questions, and offer thoughtful suggestions
• Handle payments and operate the POS system with accuracy
• Serve grab and go items quickly, keeping presentation consistent and appealing

Coffee & Bar Service

• Execute drip coffee, espresso based beverages, and manual espresso machine operation with confidence and care
• Dial in espresso, pull consistent shots, and keep high standards for flavor profiles and latte art and drink presentation
• Monitor quality for every drink leaving the bar, correcting mistakes when necessary
• Stay curious and current on brewing methods, seasonal ingredients, and specialty coffee & tea trends

Cafe Operations

• Keep the counter, beverage station, and guest areas stocked, clean, and organized throughout the shift
• Have knowledge of the history & concept of the cafe and sister restaurants and be able to confidently guide guests to sister locations as opportunities arise
• Be thoroughly knowledgeable about all food and beverage menu items and successfully answer all guest inquiries about ingredients and dietary restrictions
• Restock pastries, grab and go, and retail products as needed
• Maintain stock of and prepare all syrups, cold brew, and other batch drinks
• Communicate with the kitchen to coordinate orders and keep service running smoothly
• Support teammates during busy periods (at the register, on the bar, or running food)
• Help train new team members on recipes, workflows, and hospitality standards as needed
• Complete any checklists for FOH positions and service procedures related to your shift
• Report any equipment issues or guest incidents to management promptly
• Clean and sanitize all work areas, equipment, and machinery; at all times

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Genuine hospitality: you enjoy connecting with people and making their day a little better!
• Experience in a specialty coffee environment with a strong grasp of manual espresso equipment
• A sense of urgency and strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Strong communication skills and a welcoming, collaborative attitude; willingness to jump in wherever needed
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage workloads with minimal direction in high volume environments
• Knowledge of various brewing methods (pour over, batch brew) and tea preparation
• Proven ability to dial in grind/extraction and produce consistent latte art
• Strong ability to prioritize and be a self-starter
• Ability to operate a POS system accurately
• Basic math skills for accurate cash handling and inventory counts
• Ability to multitask and prioritize during a rush without sacrificing quality or kindness
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards; food handler's card required (or willingness to obtain)
• Dependable and punctual, with a flexible schedule including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (ex: coffee bags, milk crates, supply deliveries)
• Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand and wrist motions (tamping, steaming, pouring)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to steam, hot surfaces, and noise