Lead Barista, Drogo’s Coffee Bar at Catholic Center

Drogo's Coffee Bar is a vibrant ministry operating under the auspices of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center located in Boulder, Colorado. This coffee bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it is a welcoming hub that embodies the spirit of community and hospitality inspired by the teachings of Christ. The establishment emphasizes fostering an environment where each guest is treated with warmth, respect, and a sense of belonging, reflecting the core Catholic values of love and service. Situated conveniently at 1520 Euclid Avenue, this coffee bar serves university students, staff, and community members, providing not only quality coffee and beverages but also a supportive and inspiring space for fellowship and connection.

The role of Lead Barista at Drogo's Coffee Bar reports directly to the Catholic Center Director of University Ministry. This is a part-time, hourly position offering a competitive wage of $18.32 per hour. Work hours vary, scheduled Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm, Fridays from 7 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, including summer hours, providing a flexible work schedule that caters to the dynamic needs of the coffee bar and its patrons. The Lead Barista will play a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of customer service and operational efficiency that Drogo's is known for. This position demands a combination of barista expertise, leadership, and a commitment to the coffee bar's mission as a ministry.

As the Lead Barista, you will be responsible for greeting customers warmly, providing accurate product knowledge, and recommending beverages according to guests’ preferences while maintaining exceptional hospitality standards inspired by Christian values. You will oversee the preparation of coffee and espresso drinks, ensuring consistency and quality through precise adherence to recipes and presentation standards. This includes steaming milk, creating basic latte art, brewing drip coffee and tea, and customizing drinks with various alternatives to accommodate customer needs.

Food preparation duties include serving pastries and light food items while strictly following food safety and hygiene practices. Maintaining cleanliness and organization is essential, including keeping the bar area tidy, washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, sweeping and mopping floors, and managing waste responsibly. Inventory management will also be a key responsibility – overseeing stock levels, placing orders, restocking supplies, and rotating inventory to ensure freshness and availability.

Operating and maintaining espresso machines and other equipment are vital aspects of the role, requiring routine cleaning and maintenance as well as prompt reporting of any issues to management. Teamwork and communication are integral to maintaining a smooth and enjoyable work environment, requiring collaboration with other baristas and staff and openness to feedback from leadership. The Lead Barista will also manage opening and closing procedures, including preparing the shop for operation each day and securing it properly at closing. This role carries a significant leadership element, as the Lead Barista coordinates events with the barista team and regularly engages with the Director of University Ministry to align on mission objectives and operational goals.

Successful candidates must be practicing Catholics in good standing who actively participate in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic community. They should embody virtuous behavior and be mission-oriented, creating a space that feels like a home away from home. Previous experience working at Drogo’s Coffee Bar is preferred, along with an approachable demeanor and a passion for serving others in a faith-driven environment. The anticipated start is May 2026 with applications closing on May 20, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve a unique community while developing your leadership and barista skills in a role that is both professionally rewarding and spiritually fulfilling.