What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Barista position at Barley Bean?
BarleyBean Coffee is a local Austin specialty coffee brand known for quality, consistency, and a genuine commitment to the communities it serves. We're opening our first hospital café location inside St. David's Hospital South Austin — and we're looking for a lead barista who brings more than great coffee skills to the counter.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of something new. You'll be one of the first faces of BarleyBean at this location, helping shape the team culture and operational standards from day one. You'll be the owners' right hand on the floor. You'll set the standard, shape the culture, and eventually train the people who come after you.
About This Role's Environment — Please Read Before Applying
We want to be transparent with you: this is a hospital café, and it is not a typical coffee shop experience. St. David's South Austin is a working hospital. The people walking through our door may be nurses and doctors on a 10-minute break who need their order right, right now. They may be a family member who just received difficult news and is looking for something warm and familiar. They may be a patient support worker who hasn't sat down in hours.
What that means for you:
- Speed and accuracy are non-negotiable. Healthcare workers rely on us to get them in and out quickly so they can get back to their patients.
- You'll regularly serve guests who are stressed, exhausted, grieving, or all three. Emotional steadiness and quiet compassion are important here.
If you've worked in fast-paced or high-stakes environments you likely already know what this kind of work asks of you. We'd love to hear from you. If you've never worked in a hospital setting, that's okay — We'd rather you know upfront than find out on your first week.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Real experience in specialty coffee (extraction, dialing in espresso, etc.)
- Pull consistent, quality espresso shots and prepare a full specialty drink menu according to recipes, smoothies and a limited food menu.
- Strong hospitality instincts - guests feel it when you care
- Lead daily operations during your shift: open/close procedures, prep, cleanliness, inventory checks and restocking
- Accurately take guest orders and credit card payments through POS
- A self-starter who doesn't wait to be told what to do
- Train and support other baristas and staff; set the tone for pace, accuracy, and hospitality
- Maintain a calm, welcoming presence — especially during rush periods
- Communicate proactively with owner on supply needs, equipment issues, and team dynamics
- Can take direct feedback to improve
What We're Looking For
- Barista experience required
- Strong, consistent espresso technique under pressure
- A calm, composed presence — you don't rattle easily
- Empathy and emotional intelligence; you read the room instinctively
- Reliable and punctual — this team depends on you to show up
- Build genuine connections with regular customers
- Up to date food handlers required upon start date
- Must pass background check and drug screening - as per hospital requirements
Schedule & Compensation
- Location: St David's South Austin Medical Center 901 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- We are open Monday-Saturday (with potential for Sunday hours as operations grow)
- We are open from 6am-2pm
- Full-time, ~35 hrs/week
- Bonus potential
How to Apply
Send your resume with a brief note about your coffee background and a little about why a hospital café interests you — we read every application.
Join us today!
REQUIREMENTS
- Previous barista experience required
- Flexible schedule
- Outgoing and friendly personality
- Reliable transportation
- Must pass background check, drug screening
Our Mission
BarleyBean takes care of the people who take care of everyone else. We bring specialty coffee, clean ingredients, and genuine hospitality to the hospital — where it matters most.
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Core Values
Raise the Bar — We're unconventional by choice. We set a higher standard for what a hospital café can be — and we intend to deliver it, every single day.
Clean by Conviction — From the specialty coffee we roast to the thoughtfully curated grab-and-go on our shelf, everything we craft and carry earns its place. We source locally, choose ingredients we'd give our own families, and refuse to offer anything that doesn't meet our standard. We're in a healthcare environment — what we serve reflects that.
Show Up For People — We see the human in front of us, every time. A warm, present interaction can be the best part of someone's hard day. Our role isn't just to make great coffee — it's to make people feel genuinely cared for.
Team First — Hospitality is a team sport. We support each other, communicate openly, and invest in each other’s growth. A strong team is what makes great service possible.
Salary : $12 - $15