Barista

Rice University, situated on a sprawling 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, stands as one of the nation’s top 20 universities as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Renowned for its intimate 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, Rice offers a distinctive residential college system that provides robust intellectual, emotional, and cultural support for its students. Through a rich tapestry of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government, Rice fosters diverse and close-knit college communities that enhance the overall quality of life and value for its students. This strong tradition underpins why Rice consistently ranks as one of the best private universities for both quality of life and value.

Alongside its academic excellence, Rice University is a vibrant and supportive workplace where faculty, staff, and students are unified by shared core values that define the campus culture and community ethos. These values—Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence—guide everyday decisions and interactions, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for both workers and visitors alike.

The position of Barista at Rice University is an entry-level role ideal for individuals passionate about hospitality and service within the food and beverage industry. Concentrated within Rice Retail Dining’s café locations, this role demands on-site presence and involves working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Baristas serve as the face of the café, preparing and serving a variety of coffee and specialty beverages while providing exceptional guest service. Their daily responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness, efficiency, and flow of operations to ensure a positive and consistent customer experience.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone reliable, enthusiastic, and eager to grow professionally in the hospitality sector. They typically bring some prior experience in café or food service settings and demonstrate sharp attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a cooperative spirit. This position requires flexibility with scheduling, including working early mornings, evenings, weekends, and during peak periods when overtime may be necessary.

Essential on-campus presence is mandatory, underscoring the role's importance in sustaining daily operational continuity and supporting critical services throughout emergency situations. Baristas at Rice must be able to stand for extended periods, handle moderate lifting, and safely navigate a dynamic workspace with exposure to coffee equipment, cleaning chemicals, and possible wet or slippery floors.

The role is compensated at $18 per hour, with eligibility for overtime under non-exempt status according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This employment opportunity is a chance to begin or further a career in hospitality while contributing to the distinguished and welcoming environment at one of the nation's leading institutions.