Barista III

The University of Arizona is a prestigious public research university located in Tucson, Arizona, renowned for its commitment to innovation, education, and community service. Within this expansive institution, the Arizona Student Unions provide vibrant, student-focused environments that offer a variety of dining, retail, entertainment, and service options designed to enhance the overall campus experience. As part of the Student Unions, Starbucks operates within the Tucson campus, delivering high-quality coffee and food offerings to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This partnership is built on a shared dedication to excellent customer service, community engagement, and operational excellence.

The Barista III position is a full-time role classified under the Culinary job category with a non-exempt FLSA status and offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $16.50 to $20.63. This essential role is based on the Tucson campus and requires a 40-hour weekly commitment, playing a critical part in the daily functioning of the Starbucks outlet within the Student Union. The position offers full benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and tuition reduction programs, contributing to the University’s commitment to providing comprehensive employee support.

This role extends beyond traditional barista duties by entrusting the selected candidate with leadership responsibilities as a Shift Lead. The Barista III plays a pivotal role in the success of Starbucks and supports the University of Arizona by leading daily store operations. This involves overseeing efficient workflows, adequate staffing, delegation of tasks, and maintaining the cleanliness and welcoming ambiance of the store. The position demands someone who can manage inventory, ensure product quality, and uphold franchise and operational standards.

Moreover, the Barista III functions as a subject matter expert in beverage preparation, customer service, point of sale systems, and operational procedures. They are instrumental in training new staff, monitoring performance, and making decisions that align with the Starbucks Experience and University values. This role requires a candidate with strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead a team effectively. The Barista III must also maintain excellent communication skills and multitasking abilities to address daily challenges promptly and efficiently.

By joining this team, the candidate will contribute to creating a collaborative and student-centered atmosphere that emphasizes excellence, safety, and exceptional service. The position supports the university’s mission by providing a high-quality café experience that promotes community connection and convenience for campus visitors. The Barista III will be an integral part of a dynamic and supportive environment that values creativity, initiative, and customer satisfaction at every turn.

This role is perfect for an experienced barista with supervisory skills who is passionate about delivering a premium coffee experience and thrives in a fast-paced service environment. Prospective candidates should be prepared to work flexible schedules that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, indicating preference for candidates authorized to work in the U.S. The University of Arizona also emphasizes compliance with safety and sanitation standards and encourages ongoing learning and operational improvement through feedback and collaboration.

Overall, the Barista III position offers an exciting opportunity to grow within a respected institution, gaining valuable leadership experience in food service and retail operations while enjoying robust employee benefits and a supportive university culture. This role underlines the importance of operational excellence, customer-oriented service delivery, and teamwork in maintaining the Starbucks legacy within a leading educational setting.