Barista (Food Service Worker)

The Arnold Hall Polaris Perk Coffee Shop, located on the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, is seeking a dedicated Barista to join their team. This non-appropriated fund (NAF) position supports the facility’s coffee service operations and does not include benefits. The Air Force Academy is a prestigious institution committed to the development of future Air Force leaders, and its supporting establishments, such as the Polaris Perk Coffee Shop, play a critical role in delivering quality services to the academy community and visitors. This café specializes in providing gourmet coffee and tea beverages, focusing on precision, quality, and excellent customer service.

This Barista role requires a candidate with a solid understanding of specialty coffee preparation methods and a passion for the craft of coffee making. The position involves extensive knowledge of a variety of drink recipes along with insight into coffee beans and teas commonly served in specialty coffee shops. The successful candidate must be proficient in safely operating specialized equipment, including espresso machines, and must be capable of memorizing a range of specialty drink recipes to ensure efficiency and consistency.

The position is open to the public, meaning anyone can apply; however, eligibility will be categorized by preference and priority considerations such as Business Based Action, Military Spouse Preference, Outside Applicant Veteran, Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran, and Transition Hiring Preference. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility with their applications by the closing date. This position is classified as an Other Employment Type and does not allow educational qualifications to substitute for experience. Additionally, applicants should be prepared for a Tier 1 background investigation and must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination.

Physically, the Barista must be capable of performing frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 40 pounds and able to sustain continuous standing, walking, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending activities over extended periods. Furthermore, obtaining a Food Handler’s Certificate or completing equivalent food handler training is mandatory, aligning with food safety standards and regulations.

As part of the broader mission to support the Air Force Academy, this role emphasizes adherence to operational safety, high standards of quality, and maintaining a welcoming and efficient environment for all coffee shop customers. The Polaris Perk Coffee Shop is committed to excellence, and it expects its Barista team members to embody professionalism, meticulousness, and enthusiasm for delivering exceptional coffee experiences. This role offers an opportunity to be part of a prestigious establishment with a unique and meaningful mission supporting the military community at large.