Barista Job Description: Duties, Skills and Qualifications (With Template)
A barista prepares and serves coffee drinks, but the job covers much more than that: customer service, cleaning, the cash register and keeping the bar stocked. This guide sets out what a barista does, the skills and qualifications cafés look for, and a job description template café owners can copy.
We based the duties on TESDA’s Barista NC II training regulations, the Philippine government’s standard for the barista job. They describe the qualification as covering the skills to make good-quality coffee in commercial cafés and specialty coffee shops.
What does a barista do?
TESDA’s standard has five core competencies, which line up well with a barista’s daily work:
| Core competency | What it means on the job |
|---|---|
| Prepare espresso | Set up the machine and grinder, dose and tamp, and pull shots within the café’s recipe |
| Texture milk | Steam milk to the right texture and temperature for each drink |
| Prepare and serve coffee beverages | Take orders, recommend drinks, make hot and cold drinks to standard recipes, and serve them straight away |
| Perform basic maintenance of machines and equipment | Clean and look after the espresso machine, grinder and other equipment |
| Perform basic cashiering and general control procedures | Handle payments, the cash drawer and simple stock control |
On top of these, the standard includes workplace hygiene, health and safety, teamwork, customer service and basic computer use.
Beans made for espresso and milk drinks
For lattes, cappuccinos and iced coffee, try our Arabica-Robusta Blend or bold Robusta, roasted daily and ground to order for espresso or moka pot.
Shop the Blend →Daily tasks
- Open the bar: switch on and check equipment, dial in the espresso, stock milk and cups. See our opening and closing checklist.
- Greet customers, take orders and explain the menu
- Make espresso drinks, brewed coffee and cold drinks
- Keep the bar, tables and counters clean during service
- Handle cash and digital payments
- Restock during the day and note what needs ordering
- Close the bar: clean the espresso machine and grinder, count the cash and lock up
Skills cafés look for
| Skill | Where to learn it |
|---|---|
| Dialing in espresso | How to dial in espresso |
| Steaming milk and latte art | How to steam milk and latte art for beginners |
| Knowing the menu | Types of coffee drinks |
| Fixing problem shots | Espresso troubleshooting |
| Working fast in a rush | How baristas work faster |
| Machine cleaning | Cleaning an espresso machine |
| Customer service and cash handling | Usually learned on the job |
Qualifications
- TESDA Barista NC II. Many employers ask for it. TESDA’s regulations list completed 10-year basic education among the entry requirements for training. Experienced baristas can also apply for assessment without taking the course. See our guide to barista training in the Philippines.
- SCA courses. Specialty Coffee Association certificates are useful for specialty cafés and work abroad.
- Health certificate. Food handlers usually need one from the local health office. Check your city’s requirements.
- Experience. Many cafés hire beginners and train them. Previous café or food service work helps.
Barista job description template
Copy this and adjust the details for your café. Replace the parts in brackets.
Barista at [Café name], [City]
About the role: We’re looking for a friendly barista to prepare and serve coffee drinks, look after customers and help keep the café running smoothly.
Responsibilities:
• Prepare espresso, milk drinks, brewed coffee and cold drinks to our standard recipes
• Take orders, recommend drinks and handle payments
• Open and close the bar, including cleaning the espresso machine and grinder
• Keep the bar and seating area clean and stocked
• Follow food safety and hygiene rules
Requirements:
• TESDA Barista NC II (preferred) or café experience. We train beginners
• Health certificate, or willing to get one
• Good communication skills and a positive attitude
• Willing to work weekends and holidays [adjust to your schedule]
We offer: [salary range, benefits, training]
To apply: [how to apply]
For what to pay, see our guide to barista salaries in the Philippines. For pay rules, see rest day pay and the other guides in the Café Business Resource Center.
Training a new barista
Give new staff a written plan for the first weeks: espresso first, then milk, then the full menu, then opening and closing. Our staff training guide covers portion control and waste. All of the lessons in the Caffeine Brothers Coffee Academy are free to use for training. Cafés buying 10 kg or more of coffee can see wholesale pricing.
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