Job Description

Barista in Training (BIT)

*Note: this position is at our Columbia Northwest Corner location. We are also hiring at Columbia Business School, and Pulitzer Hall–please use the separate listing for that application if interested.

Joe Coffee is looking for curious and committed Baristas in Training (BITs) who are interested in learning about specialty coffee and growing into certified Joe Coffee baristas.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn about coffee, motivated to develop their skills, and passionate about delivering warm, thoughtful customer service. Strong candidates are reliable, friendly, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and thrive as part of a collaborative team.

Compensation: $17 per hour + tips

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista in Training, you will support daily cafe operations while building the foundational skills needed to become a certified Joe Coffee barista. Responsibilities include:

• Deliver welcoming, inclusive, and attentive customer service that reflects Joe Coffee’s hospitality standards
• Accurately operate the POS system, including order entry, cash handling, and payment processing
• Prepare non-espresso beverages and food items according to company recipes and quality standards, including drip coffee, cold brew, tea, matcha, seasonal drinks, and other menu offerings
• Maintain cafe cleanliness, organization, and food safety by following established cleaning, sanitation, and food-handling standards
• Restock products, ingredients, and cafe supplies throughout the shift as needed
• Support opening, closing, and other daily cafe procedures as assigned
• Work collaboratively with fellow team members to maintain an efficient, supportive, and welcoming cafe environment
• Actively participate in training, coaching, and feedback to build coffee knowledge, technical skills, and prepare for full barista certification
• Follow Joe Coffee policies, procedures, recipes, safety practices, and quality standards

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Baristas in Training work in an active cafe environment and regularly move throughout the workspace while serving customers, preparing products, cleaning, and restocking. The physical demands of the position may include:

• Remaining in a standing and/or moving position for extended periods during a scheduled shift
• Frequently walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and performing repetitive motions associated with beverage preparation, customer service, cleaning, and restocking
• Regularly using hands and arms to operate cafe equipment, prepare beverages and food, handle products, and complete cleaning tasks
• Moving between different areas of the cafe, including the register, beverage stations, storage areas, dishwashing areas, and customer-facing spaces
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving cafe supplies and equipment, including milk and alternative-milk containers, coffee products, dishes, smallwares, trash/recycling, and product deliveries
• Occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, independently or with assistance when appropriate
• Reaching above shoulder level and accessing products or supplies stored at varying heights
• Performing cleaning and sanitation duties, including sweeping, mopping, wiping surfaces, washing dishes, handling waste, and maintaining café equipment
• Working around commercial coffee equipment, hot liquids, steam, refrigeration equipment, cleaning products, and other conditions typical of a food-service environment
• Working in an environment that may include periods of elevated noise, temperature changes, confined workspaces, and high customer volume
• Safely performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

The physical requirements listed above describe the general demands associated with the position and are not intended to prescribe the specific manner in which an employee must perform a task.

Benefits & Perks

At Joe Coffee, we care deeply about the well-being, growth, and happiness of our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees both at work and beyond.

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Available to eligible employees
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits: Save on eligible transit and commuting expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and personal support
• Eligibility requirements may apply to certain benefits. Hourly employees must meet applicable average-hours requirements for benefits where required.

Financial Support

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Start saving for your future with employer match
• Bonuses & Incentives, including:
  • Employee referral bonuses
  • Incentives for obtaining required food handler certifications
  • Team-based recognition programs
  • Special events and company contests

Growth & Development

• In-Depth Barista Training: Hands-on learning designed to develop your craft and prepare you for barista certification
• Paid Continuing Education: Opportunities to expand your skills and explore new interests
• Mentorship Program: One-on-one guidance to support professional growth
• Origin Trips: Opportunities to travel and learn about coffee at the source

Community & Culture

• The Joe Show: Our signature community-building event
• Holiday Celebration: A festive end-of-year gathering for the entire team
• Latte Art Throwdowns: Friendly competition and connection through coffee

About Joe Coffee Company

Joe Coffee Company was founded in 2003 by Jonathan Rubinstein as a single specialty coffee shop in Manhattan’s West Village, with a simple vision: brew exceptional coffee and create a welcoming space for the community.

Today, Joe Coffee operates 23 cafes across New York and its own Roastery in Long Island City, while remaining deeply committed to quality, hospitality, and education.

At Joe, we believe a great coffee experience relies just as much on the barista as it does on the coffee. That’s why we invest in industry-leading training and the long-term success of our team. As an early pioneer of artisan coffee in New York, we’re proud to continue innovating, growing, and leading as the specialty coffee movement evolves.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Joe Coffee Company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Joe Coffee Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process or perform the essential functions of the position are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Job Qualifications

• Prior coffee shop, food service, retail, or hospitality experience is desirable but not required
• Prior experience serving guests or working in a customer-facing environment is preferred
• Genuine interest in learning about specialty coffee and developing barista skills
• Commitment to hospitality and creating welcoming, inclusive guest experiences
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow established procedures and standards
• Comfortable receiving coaching, feedback, and hands-on training
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with customers, coworkers, and leadership
• Scheduling Availability: Joe Coffee cafes operate on varying schedules, with shifts generally falling between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, depending on the cafe location. Candidates must have availability that aligns with the scheduling needs of the location for which they are being considered, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Barista. Job Types: Part-Time. Salaries: Hourly.

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