Job Summary
Sterling Coffee Roasters is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and customer-focused Senior Barista to help lead daily café operations while delivering exceptional specialty coffee and hospitality. The Senior Barista will prepare high-quality espresso and brewed beverages, support barista training, maintain beverage standards, assist with inventory and equipment care, and provide outstanding guest service. The ideal candidate has strong specialty coffee knowledge, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for coffee craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare espresso, pour-over, batch brew, cold brew, tea, and specialty beverages according to café standards.
- Dial in espresso grinders and adjust recipes to maintain consistent extraction and flavor.
- Calibrate grinders, espresso machines, brewers, and other coffee equipment as needed.
- Steam and texture milk properly and prepare high-quality latte art.
- Educate customers about coffee origins, processing methods, roast profiles, and brewing techniques.
- Provide personalized beverage recommendations and knowledgeable customer service.
- Train and mentor new and existing baristas on recipes, equipment, workflow, and service standards.
- Support shift leadership and help coordinate bar operations during busy periods.
- Operate the POS system and process cash, credit card, and other payments accurately.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures, cash reconciliation, cleaning, and daily café preparation.
- Maintain clean and organized coffee bars, dining areas, service stations, and equipment.
- Monitor inventory levels of coffee, milk, syrups, tea, pastries, cups, lids, and other café supplies.
- Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and other equipment.
- Identify equipment issues and report maintenance needs to management.
- Support coffee tastings, training sessions, seasonal beverage programs, and special events.
- Work closely with café managers, baristas, kitchen staff, and other team members.
- Follow food safety, sanitation, allergen-awareness, and workplace safety procedures.
- Help maintain a welcoming, efficient, and professional café environment.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous barista experience required; specialty coffee experience strongly preferred.
- Experience dialing in espresso and maintaining recipe consistency.
- Strong customer-service and communication skills.
- Ability to train, mentor, and support other baristas.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to beverage quality.
- Experience with POS systems and cash handling.
- Ability to multitask and remain organized during high-volume service.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry coffee supplies and equipment as required.
- Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Legally authorized to work in the applicable jurisdiction.
Preferred Skills
- Specialty coffee certification or professional barista training.
- Strong knowledge of coffee origins, processing methods, roasting, and sensory evaluation.
- Advanced espresso dialing-in and extraction skills.
- Strong latte art skills.
- Experience with coffee cupping, tastings, or quality-control programs.
- Familiarity with commercial espresso machines and grinders.
- Experience training new hires or serving as a shift lead.
- Food Handler Certification is an asset where applicable.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Passion for specialty coffee, hospitality, education, and continuous improvement.
About the Company
Sterling Coffee Roasters is dedicated to specialty coffee, careful roasting, high-quality brewing, and exceptional café hospitality. The team values craftsmanship, consistency, education, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences through thoughtfully sourced and expertly prepared coffee.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
