Barista job description
Cloutra team · Last updated October 12, 2026
A barista prepares and serves coffee and other drinks while giving customers a friendly, quick experience. Use this barista job description template to attract qualified candidates, and adjust the duties and requirements to fit your shop.
Barista responsibilities include:
- Preparing coffee, tea and other drinks to order
- Serving customers and handling payments
- Keeping the counter, equipment and seating area clean
Job brief
We are looking for a Barista to prepare great drinks and make every customer feel welcome.
In this role you will take orders, make espresso drinks, brewed coffee and tea, serve food items, handle payments and keep the shop clean and stocked. You will work closely with the other baristas and the shift lead to keep service moving during busy periods.
To succeed, you should enjoy working with people, be able to follow recipes consistently and stay friendly and focused when the line is long.
Responsibilities
- Greet customers and take orders accurately
- Prepare espresso drinks, brewed coffee, tea and blended drinks to recipe
- Serve pastries and other food items
- Operate the register and handle cash and card payments
- Answer questions about the menu and suggest items customers may like
- Clean and maintain espresso machines, grinders and other equipment
- Keep the counter, seating area and restrooms clean and tidy
- Restock cups, lids, milk, syrups and other supplies
- Follow food safety and sanitation procedures
- Help open or close the shop, including counting the cash drawer
Requirements and skills
- Experience as a Barista or in food service or retail is a plus. Training is provided
- Friendly, helpful manner with customers
- Ability to follow drink recipes and keep quality consistent
- Basic math skills for handling cash and giving change
- Ability to work well with others during busy periods
- Availability for early morning, weekend and holiday shifts
- Knowledge of food safety practices, or willingness to complete food handler training
- High school diploma or equivalent experience
Hiring a barista?
Paste this job description into Cloutra. Its agents score every resume against it, run the first-round interview with each candidate, and write up the evidence. You review it and decide.
Frequently asked questions
What does a barista do?
A barista takes orders, prepares coffee and other drinks, serves food items, handles payments and keeps the shop clean and stocked.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a barista?
Typical duties include greeting customers, making drinks to recipe, operating the register, cleaning equipment and work areas, restocking supplies, following food safety procedures and helping open or close the shop.
What makes a good barista?
A good barista is friendly, quick and consistent, remembers regular customers and their orders, and keeps a clean workspace even during a rush.
Who does a barista work with?
Baristas usually report to a shift lead or a store manager. They work with the other baristas and kitchen staff on each shift, and they serve customers directly throughout the day.