Barista

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a renowned public research university committed to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life. Serving thousands of students each year, the university prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment where education, culture, and innovative research thrive. Within this expansive institution, the Arizona Student Unions plays a crucial role by providing social, educational, and recreational support through well-managed facilities, including popular dining and coffee spots like Starbucks, located on the Tucson campus.

This particular job opening is for a Barista position within the Arizona Student Unions at the University of Arizona. This role is essential in delivering Starbucks' mission of being the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while creating meaningful customer experiences one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. The Barista acts as a key contributor to the Starbucks/University of Arizona partnership by consistently providing legendary customer service and quality beverages in a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment. The job entails engaging with customers and team members through authentic and respectful connections, maintaining open and supportive communication channels, and ensuring accountability to achieve both individual and team goals.

The Barista position requires schedule flexibility, necessitating availability for early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Holding a full-time status, the role offers a competitive hourly pay rate ranging between $16.50 and $18.75. Employees in this position are eligible for comprehensive University of Arizona benefits that include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction opportunities for the employee and qualified family members at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University; retirement plans; and access to recreation and cultural activities hosted by the university. This reflects the university’s commitment to supporting its staff both professionally and personally, including innovative work-life programs and relocation assistance.

In this role, the Barista is responsible for greeting and welcoming customers while taking orders, offering menu recommendations, and noting dietary restrictions or special requests. They prepare and serve hot and cold beverages and food items according to standardized recipes or customization, while also ensuring food safety standards are maintained throughout shifts. Accuracy in receiving and processing payments using the point of sale systems is vital, along with assisting in opening and closing duties that help maintain the store’s organization, security, and stock. Restocking essential supplies such as cups, lids, coffee beans, syrups, and food items and maintaining clean and organized workstations are other key responsibilities. Additionally, the Barista monitors storage and equipment temperatures to guarantee product quality and safety, cleans equipment and stations regularly, and acts in accordance with Starbucks’ guiding principles and culture.

Ideal candidates will embody Starbucks' values, demonstrating outstanding communication and customer service skills, and a thorough understanding of sanitation, food safety, and quality standards. Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally transport or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. This role demands a high school diploma or equivalent and is a non-exempt, hourly position under the Culinary job family, with career growth opportunities within the university's career architecture. Given the dynamic and bustling café environment, a genuine passion for coffee, enthusiasm for helping people, and flexibility to work varying shifts are crucial for success. This posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected and is subject to change as organizational needs evolve. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.