Davenport Coffee Lounge Barista (Student) (FWS)

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process.

Job Description

Our American University coffeehouse aims to be one of DC's best. The Dav is a non-profit student-run organization and campus institution since 1980. We are committed to supporting Fair and Direct Trade, local, and organic products, as well as sustainable practices. The Dav is searching for proactive, industrious, and enthusiastic candidates. We welcome your ideas and previous experiences to help make us a better establishment. Since the Davenport is very involved in the campus community and its patrons include students, staff, faculty, and visitors, we are committed to outstanding customer service to make our coffee shop the most welcoming and comfortable establishment on campus. It is our goal to leave our customers with an unforgettable coffeehouse experience. We provide extensive on-the-job training, and any new hire should expect to immediately take an active role in a fast-paced, high volume, interactive work environment. Please note that though barista experience is not required, we take it into strong consideration due to a high volume of applicants. Regardless of the extensiveness of your experience, all new hires will be gradually trained as baristas and will primarily work other shift duties until barista skills meet those of our standards on the espresso bar. This position is for the fall 2026 semester and beyond.

Essential Functions

• Provide impeccable and efficient customer service.
• Maintain a positive attitude and be a team player.
• Be enthusiastic and able to present creative ideas and provide input on shop matters.
• Take part in tasks involved with preparing espresso, catering, and coffee, and maintenance of the space.
• Focus on shop duties even during slow times.
• Other duties assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Part-time.
• 10 hours per week.

Salary Range

• $18.40 - $18.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience

• High school education.
• Registered undergraduate student at American University.
• Must have a Federal Work Study Award. FWS awards can only be used for one on campus position
• Must adhere to health code standards at all times.
• Must have flexibility and be available to work shifts between 6:45am and 9:00pm, 7 days a week.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to be punctual starting at 6:45am on some mornings.
• Must have prior work experience.
• Must maintain attention to detail when accomplishing all shop tasks including daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and restocking duties.
• Must be able to lift up to 20lbs.
• Learn the complexities and master the skills involved with producing quality coffee.
• Must be mindful of product waste and work towards operating an efficient and sustainable coffee shop.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Understand the proper usage of coffee brewing equipment. Ability to steam milk for lattes/cappuccinos, manually dialing in an espresso grinder, how to clean an espresso machine, etc.
• Barista experience.
• Food service experience.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
• Visit for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.