Barista

Rice University is a prestigious private university located on a beautiful 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas. It is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, recognized for academic excellence, research prowess, and commitment to student growth. The university offers a unique educational experience with its low undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1, facilitating close interaction, mentorship, and collaboration between students and faculty. Rice fosters a supportive residential college system designed to engage students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally with diverse activities such as social events, intramural sports, student theater productions, lecture series, specialized courses, and student government involvement. This strong tradition of cultivating close-knit and diverse college communities contributes to Rice’s reputation for offering one of the best quality of life and value among private universities in the United States.

Rice University is also committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture for its faculty, staff, and students. The university’s core values can be summarized by the acronym RICE, standing for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These guiding principles shape interactions, decision-making, and behaviors campus-wide, promoting a respectful, welcoming environment for employees and visitors alike.

The Barista position at Rice University Retail Dining represents an excellent opportunity for individuals embarking on a career in hospitality or food service. This entry-level role focuses on preparing and serving a variety of beverages, including coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and specialty drinks while delivering outstanding guest service in a busy café atmosphere. The position demands attentiveness to quality, speed, and customer engagement, as well as teamwork and reliability. Baristas play a vital role in supporting daily café operations by maintaining cleanliness, restocking supplies, following recipes and safety standards, and assisting with opening and closing tasks.

Ideal candidates bring at least two years of relevant barista experience, valid food handler certification (such as ServSafe), and a passion for hospitality. They thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented settings, communicate effectively with guests and coworkers, and maintain a positive, eager-to-learn mindset. Flexibility is essential, as work schedules vary from Monday to Saturday with possible early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime during peak periods. On-site work presence is mandatory to ensure smooth operational flow and exceptional guest experiences.

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring staff availability during emergencies to support uninterrupted institutional functions. Rice University offers a competitive hourly wage of $18, with overtime eligibility under FLSA guidelines. Joining Rice means becoming part of a vibrant community that values diversity, equal opportunity, and personal as well as professional growth while contributing to an outstanding dining experience within one of the nation’s leading research universities.