How can I tailor Barista responsibilities to suit our venue's actual needs?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Barista Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a specialty coffee shop serving 300+ customers daily with focus on artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and exceptional customer experiences in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Our Baristas are central to our coffee culture, crafting expertly prepared espresso drinks while providing friendly hospitality, detailed coffee knowledge, and efficient service that creates loyal customers and memorable café experiences. The atmosphere balances professional coffee craft with relaxed community feel, serving diverse clientele from morning commuters to afternoon students and weekend families, requiring adaptability, technical skill, and genuine passion for coffee excellence.
• Prepare and serve high-quality espresso drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and specialty beverages according to established recipes and standards • Operate espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment with precision to ensure consistent extraction and optimal flavor profiles • Provide knowledgeable recommendations on coffee selections, brewing methods, and flavor profiles based on customer preferences • Maintain comprehensive understanding of coffee origins, processing methods, and tasting notes for menu education and customer engagement • Handle cash and card transactions accurately using POS system while managing efficient order flow during peak periods • Prepare fresh food items including pastries, sandwiches, and light meals while maintaining food safety and presentation standards • Maintain coffee bar cleanliness including equipment maintenance, surface sanitizing, and proper milk steaming techniques • Manage inventory including coffee bean rotation, supply monitoring, and daily preparation of syrups and specialty ingredients • Engage with customers professionally, creating welcoming atmosphere through friendly conversation and attentive service • Handle customer feedback and special requests with positivity while escalating complex issues to management • Complete opening duties including equipment setup, coffee grinding, and station preparation for service • Execute closing responsibilities including deep cleaning, cash reconciliation, and equipment shutdown procedures
Essential Skills: Proficiency with espresso machine operation, milk steaming, and latte art techniques; strong customer service abilities with friendly, engaging communication style; attention to detail for coffee preparation accuracy and consistency; efficient multitasking during busy periods while maintaining quality standards; cash handling accuracy and POS system competency; physical stamina for extended standing and repetitive motions; team collaboration skills for coordinating with other staff. Preferred Qualifications: Previous barista experience in specialty coffee shops or cafés; formal coffee training or certification from recognized institutions; knowledge of coffee origins, processing methods, and brewing techniques; experience with various brewing methods including pour-over, French press, and cold brew; food safety certification and understanding of hygiene protocols; multilingual capabilities for diverse customer demographics; passion for coffee culture and continuous learning.
We welcome both experienced baristas and coffee enthusiasts eager to develop their skills in specialty coffee preparation. While previous coffee shop experience is valuable, we prioritize passion for coffee, positive attitude, and willingness to learn over extensive background. Comprehensive training covers espresso techniques, milk steaming, latte art, coffee knowledge, and customer service standards, with experienced baristas providing mentorship and hands-on guidance. Ongoing development opportunities include advanced coffee education, brewing workshops, and potential progression to senior barista or shift supervisor roles for dedicated team members.
We're seeking someone who genuinely enjoys coffee craft and connecting with customers while maintaining efficiency and quality during busy periods. The ideal candidate demonstrates natural warmth and friendliness, stays calm and organized under pressure, and takes pride in creating excellent coffee experiences for every customer. You should be detail-oriented with strong work ethic, able to learn and remember customer preferences, and excited about sharing coffee knowledge and recommendations. Reliability, punctuality, and positive team attitude are essential for success in our community-focused café environment.
Competitive hourly rate of £10.50-£13.00 based on experience, plus tips distribution and performance incentives (typically £15-30 per shift depending on service period). Comprehensive benefits package includes: staff beverages and meals during shifts; 24 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance and study commitments; staff discounts on coffee and retail products. Professional development opportunities include advanced coffee training and certification programs; latte art workshops and brewing technique education; clear progression pathways to senior barista, shift supervisor, and management roles; participation in coffee competitions and industry events. Additional benefits include free coffee education and tasting sessions; access to specialty coffee events and workshops; recognition programs for outstanding customer service and coffee quality; supportive team environment with regular skills development and product knowledge training.

When creating a job description for a barista, it's essential to reflect the specific needs and style of your venue. Start by listing the daily tasks that are truly relevant to your setup. Think about your service style, customer interaction, and the pace of your venue. This ensures the responsibilities align with your actual operational needs.

Common misunderstanding: All barista job descriptions are the same, so one can simply use a template without modifications.

Each coffee venue operates differently. Using a generic template without tailoring it to your specific needs can lead to hiring someone who may not fit well with your operational style or customer service expectations. Always customise the job description to reflect the unique aspects of your venue.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed job descriptions are unnecessary if you're hiring experienced baristas.

Even experienced baristas need clear expectations to perform well in a new environment. Different venues have different priorities and styles, so detailed, venue-specific responsibilities help ensure new hires understand exactly what is expected of them.

What’s the risk of using generic task lists for barista roles?

Using generic task lists can lead to mismatches between job expectations and actual duties, resulting in confusion and inefficiency. Generic lists might not cover specific tasks important for your venue, or they might include irrelevant duties that waste time and resources.

Common misunderstanding: Generic task lists are sufficient because all barista jobs are similar.

While barista roles share common elements, the specifics can vary greatly depending on the venue's pace, customer interaction style, and menu complexity. Tailoring the task list to your venue ensures that the barista's duties directly contribute to your operational goals.

Common misunderstanding: It’s easier to adjust employee behavior on the job than to customize a task list beforehand.

Adjusting employee behavior after hiring based on a generic task list can lead to frustration and decreased job satisfaction. It's more effective and efficient to set clear, specific expectations from the start to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Why is it important to categorise barista duties by time of shift?

Categorising duties by time of shift — such as opening, service, and closing — helps ensure that all necessary tasks are completed efficiently and at the right times. This organization aids in creating a smooth workflow and maintaining high standards of service throughout the day.

Common misunderstanding: As long as all tasks are completed, the timing doesn’t matter.

The timing of certain tasks is crucial for operational efficiency. For example, preparing the coffee station at the start of the day ensures that the barista is ready for the first customers, and proper closing procedures prevent morning delays and maintain equipment longevity.

Common misunderstanding: Categorising tasks makes the job harder to learn.

On the contrary, categorising tasks by time of shift can actually make training easier and more structured. New baristas can quickly learn what is expected of them at different times, which helps them manage their duties more effectively and reduces oversight.