Barista

lil'EAST   COFFEE  

Barista Job Description  

Join Our Specialty Coffee Team  

At   lil'EAST   COFFEE, we foster a lively, collaborative atmosphere where team members can learn, grow, and contribute to our dynamic community. What sets us apart is our thoughtful multi-roaster coffee program, featuring rotating selections from renowned local and roasters from all over the US— giving you   exposure to a diverse range of coffee profiles. We are committed to sustainability and regularly host community events,   demonstrating   our dedication to positive local impact.  

Work Environment  

• Thoughtful multi-roaster coffee program: We   showcase   a rotating menu of beans from respected local and global roasters, offering staff and guests an ever-evolving coffee experience.  

• Opportunities for advancement to management roles  

• Regular team-building social events and community initiatives  

• Collaborative, lively atmosphere with supportive colleagues  

• Casual work attire  

• Full-time hours possible  

• On-the-job training provided  

Responsibilities  

• Daily Calibration:   Tasting and adjusting variables like grind size, dose weight, and water temperature to account for humidity and bean age, ensuring   optimal   brewing quality.  

• Precision Brewing:   Operating   advanced espresso machines and manual brewing equipment (such as pour-overs and   Aeropress ) with consistent technique, even if   you're   new to these devices—training is provided.  

• Milk Texturing:   Steaming milk to create smooth, velvety foam (known as   microfoam ) for latte art and to enhance the texture of drinks.  

• Sensory Evaluation:   Tasting brewed coffee to   identify   subtle flavors and detect potential extraction or bean defects. This helps   maintain   high-quality standards and is a skill you can develop on the job.  

Knowledge and Education  

• Origin Awareness:   Sharing information about coffee regions, specific farms, and processing methods (e.g., washed vs. natural) with customers to enhance their experience.  

• Menu Education:   Guiding customers through our specialty menu, making recommendations based on their flavor preferences, and explaining brewing methods in approachable, easy-to-understand terms.  

Operational and Hospitality Duties  

• Service Excellence:   Providing personalized interactions,   anticipating   customer needs, and   maintaining   a welcoming atmosphere—especially during busy times.  

• Hygiene and Maintenance:   Following strict sanitation protocols, deep-cleaning equipment, and performing basic troubleshooting for grinders and machines (training provided).  

• Workflow Management:   Handling Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions, managing inventory levels, and working with team members to ensure   accurate   orders.  

• Opening/Closing:   Completing detailed setup and shutdown checklists so the bar is ready for service or properly secured for the next day.  

Qualifications  

• Minimum two years of experience in specialty coffee , serv safe certification required
  
• Proficiency in dialing in espresso (adjusting machine settings to achieve optimal flavor extraction) for both milk-based and single origin coffees  
  
• Ability to identify and describe two to three flavor notes per coffee  
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills  
  
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills  
  
• Flexible availability for early mornings, weekends, and holidays  
  
• Genuine passion for specialty coffee and customer service  
  
• Eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and positively contribute to the café’s success  
  
• Must be able to lift 50lb items

We look forward to meeting you!