What are the responsibilities and job description for the Barista, Downtown Seattle position at Olympia Coffee Roasting?
Join Olympia Coffee Roasting as a Part-Time Barista and be part of a team that's passionate about exceptional coffee and genuine hospitality. We're looking for someone who thrives during our busiest weekend days and takes pride in crafting quality drinks while creating memorable experiences for our customers.
About Us:
Baristas at Olympia Coffee are hospitality professionals who contribute to every aspect of daily cafe operations. This role includes customer-facing service as well as essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the cafe clean, functional, well-stocked, and operating at a high standard. Baristas are expected to take shared responsibility for the space, equipment, and guest experience.
General Responsibilities
Contributes to a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture
Upholds Olympia Coffee s standards for hospitality, coffee quality, and professionalism
Participates in the ongoing development and care of the cafe and its systems
Maintains strong working knowledge of coffee, food, and retail products
Communicates clearly with all team members to support smooth daily operations
On-Bar & Service Responsibilities
Work a variety of scheduled shifts per week, including opening, mid, and/or closing shifts, based on the operational needs of the business
Perform standard bar operations, including register, espresso bar, batch brew, and drink production for both in cafe service and mobile orders.
Consistently and efficiently prepare high-quality beverages to Olympia Coffee standards
Provide warm, genuine, and attentive customer service
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and calm cafe environment, even during high-volume periods
Troubleshoot service flow, drink execution, and guest needs in real time
Demonstrate effective conflict management and de-escalation skills when navigating challenging interactions with guests, maintaining safety, professionalism, and a welcoming environment
Cafe Cleanliness & Facility Care
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe cafe, both inside and outside, throughout each shift
Complete daily, weekly, and periodic deep-cleaning tasks, including but not limited to:
Dishwashing and dish organization, bar, cafe, and restroom cleaning, floor care, trash, and recycling
Follow established cleaning schedules and sanitation standards
Equipment Care & Maintenance
Properly use, clean, and care for espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and other cafe equipment
Perform routine maintenance tasks as trained (backflushing, grinder cleaning, calibration support, etc.)
Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate equipment issues promptly to leadership
Inventory, Stocking & Prep
Assist with stocking and restocking cafe supplies, retail items, and bar ingredients
Support inventory accuracy through organization and communication
Participate in prep work as needed to support service (syrups, batching, etc.)
Help maintain efficient systems for product rotation, storage, and waste reduction
Desired Characteristics
Passion for coffee, hospitality, and shared work
Strong work ethic and willingness to engage in all aspects of cafe operations
Demonstrated leadership or growth mindset in technical barista skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across diverse situations
Ability to stay professional, calm, and collaborative under pressure
Comfortable working in a team-centered, feedback-oriented environment
Curious, adaptable, and open to ongoing learning and development
Ability and willingness to cross train at other Olympia Coffee and/or Moonrise Bakery locations
Physical & Environmental Requirements
This position is active and requires regular physical engagement throughout each shift. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to stand and move throughout the cafe for extended periods (typically 6 hours)
Frequent walking, reaching, bending, twisting, and squatting during service and cleaning tasks
Repetitive hand and wrist movements related to espresso preparation, grinding, tamping, pouring, and dishwashing
Ability to lift, carry, and move items such as milk crates, coffee bags, boxes, and equipment (up to approximately 40 50 lbs)
Comfort working in close quarters behind the bar and navigating tight service spaces
Ability to work at varying speeds, including sustained periods of high volume and fast-paced service
Exposure to common cafe conditions, including heat, steam, water, cleaning chemicals, and food allergens
Visual and auditory attention required to monitor equipment, timers, guests, and coworkers simultaneously
Manual dexterity needed for equipment operation, cleaning, and maintenance tasks
How to Apply: Ready to join us? Click the apply button on Poached to submit your information.