Barista - Kanata Ave

Equator Coffee Roasters is an Ottawa, Ontario-based, mission-driven coffee roasting company. We exist to connect the coffee drinker to the coffee farmer, from one family to another. We believe the world is a better place with better quality coffee that is sourced ethically and cared for organically. At Equator, coffee is more than just a beautiful beverage; it’s a way to change the world for the better. Our cafes serve as the “front line” of our company and brand – a place for customers to learn and enjoy our core values:service, quality, community.

JOB SUMMARY

The Barista is responsible for preparing high-quality espresso-based beverages, maintaining precise brewing standards and consistency, and preparing non-coffee beverages. Baristas must have a genuine interest in coffee, regularly taste espresso, and continuously refine their palate. They are also required to follow the specialty coffee standards established by Equator Coffee at all times. The role requires proficiency in latte art and a strong understanding of coffee extraction, milk texturing, and equipment handling. Baristas are expected to have their stations prepared and fully stocked, learn and execute new seasonal recipes, and uphold the café’s specialty coffee standards. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. Beyond working behind the bar, baristas play a key role in setting the tone of the café by engaging with customers, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and building genuine connections. They are also responsible for maintaining a clean, organized workspace, ensuring all equipment and service areas meet the café’s cleanliness and hygiene standards at all times.

Requirements

• Must like coffee, as it requires to taste espresso when calibrating every shift and throughout the shift.
• Please showcase your latte art skills by including it in your cover letter.
• Looking for Permanent Part time Baristas. (Not seasonal sorry!)
• Requires to be available to work weekdays and Saturdays & Sundays.
• Must be available to work a minimum of 2 shifts a week.
• On-Calls are a requirement for all part-timers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Barista's responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Barista Skills

• Responsible for calibrating the grinder every shift and making adjustment based on specialty coffee standards used by Equator.
• Knows the beverage menu, and is able to explain the difference between drinks to a customer. For example, Flat white vs Latte.
• Knowledgeable of the origins of coffee, from crop to cop, which country it grows, different types (Arabica, Robusta etc).
• Follows appropriate grinding and dosing procedures and maintains grinder throughout the day
• Produces quality and consistent textured milk through proper steaming procedures and learns to dose appropriate quantities of milk to avoid waste.
• Able to identify all parts and accessories related to the espresso machine and grinders
• Follows proper recipe and procedures for producing consistent espresso shots and testing for quality control throughout the shift
• Skilled in Latte art and can consistently pour hearts, tulips, and rosettas.
• Follows all cleaning procedures after each beverage and throughout the shift, keeping workspace, equipment and accessories clean and tidy.
• Ensure work stations are prepped for busy periods, and are topped up/re-filled in a timely manner.
• Delivers speed of service with intentional movements, accuracy of orders, and looking at orders ahead, to batch milk.
• Counters and workspaces are clean.
• And other tasks assigned by the management.

Customer Service

• Acts with integrity and honesty promoting the culture, values and standards of Equator
• Attains a high level of company and product knowledge in order to answer customer inquiries
• Maintains a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep store operating to standard
• Delivers legendary customer service to all customers by acting with a customer comes first attitude and connecting personally with the customer
• Serves customers on the floor by delivering food and beverage, busing tables and keeping all service areas clean and stocked

Cashier/POS/Server

The Barista is expected to work the point of sales/cash and server positions, if the cashier has stepped away, or only baristas are scheduled on shift.

• Greets customer; requests and receives order including method of delivery; delivers basic items not requiring preparation (brewed coffee, baked goods, etc.)
• For all “for here” orders, provides a number to customer and delivers product when ready
• For all “take away” orders, asks for the customers name so that we can call them appropriately once their order is ready.
• Makes positive suggestions and promotions of new products to customers.
• Delivers order accuracy by repeating the order before accepting payment
• Receives and processes payment and ensuring completion and accuracy
• Follow rush procedures by providing additional support on cash with the line is longer than 3-4 customers
• Carefully follows appropriate closing and cash management procedures at end of day
• Serves beverages to customers who are ready by the barista.
• Prepares and serves beverages such as brewed coffee, hot teas, cold brew. And always keeps service area properly stocked.
• Serve items from the display case to the customers.
• Prepares and serves (toasts/heat) food menu items (ex toast wraps in panini press).
• Follows instructions of kitchen staff for proper food presentation and delivery

Maintains Standards

• Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Provides quality beverages, whole bean, and food products consistently for all customers by adhering to recipe and presentation standards
• Follows the company dress code as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Follows health, safety and sanitation guidelines according to government standards

Cleaning, Maintenance and Keeping Busy!

• Maintains appropriate quantities of beverages available by brewing ahead as needed
• Always ensures a clean and safe work area
• Works with kitchen staff to keep dishes clean and prevent an overflow in the dish sink
• Follows all cleaning and maintenance procedures throughout the day and closing procedures for deep cleaning and preparing the space for the next day’s opener.
• At times of low customer volume, attends to additional cleaning, restocking and maintenance procedures according to the list of “extra Jobs” provided by the Cafe Site Manager

Communication and Administration

• Reads Push Operations chat channel on each shift, responds and acts on all information where needed
• Follow all Equator café staff communications procedures and respond professionally and promptly to all communications
• Always communicates well with other Team Members avoiding gossip and discouraging words
• Reports all concerns in a timely manner to Shift Supervisors and Managers as required
• Follows Equator operational policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required to perform this job.

• 1 year of Barista Experience in Specialty Coffee
• Please showcase your latte art skills by including it in your cover letter.
• Ability to learn quickly
• Ability to work as part of a team and have strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task and handle high pressure situations

TIME EXPECTATIONS AND COMPENSATION

• Medical expense coverage (6 months after start date ), sick days, personal days, discounts on food and coffee. Details can be found in the Equator Employee Handbook.
• Shift times and length vary with staff member availability; plan to work for five to eight-hour shifts.