Cafés jobs in Waterloo, ON

Experienced Barista | Graffiti Café Job Overview

Know your way around an espresso machine? Can you pull a perfect shot, steam silky microfoam, and keep your cool when the morning coffee rush hits? Then we want to meet you.

Graffiti Café is looking for an experienced, energetic, and coffee-loving Barista who knows that great coffee is only half the job. The other half is delivering exceptional service, keeping things running smoothly, and making every guest feel welcome.

We're not looking for someone who's just starting their coffee journey. We want someone with real, hands-on experience who knows their craft, thrives under pressure, and can confidently handle a busy café without sacrificing quality or personality.

If you've got the skills, speed, and a little personality to go with your latte art, you'll fit right in.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare consistently excellent espresso-based beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and specialty drinks.
• Confidently operate commercial espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment.
• Dial in espresso, adjust grind settings, steam milk properly, and maintain beverage quality and consistency.
• Handle high-volume drink orders efficiently without compromising speed, accuracy, or presentation.
• Welcome guests, answer questions, make recommendations, and deliver friendly, engaging service.
• Prepare and serve café food items, including sandwiches, pastries, and grab-and-go offerings.
• Process orders and payments accurately using our POS system.
• Keep the café clean, organized, stocked, and ready for the next rush.
• Maintain and clean coffee equipment, workstations, and service areas.
• Work closely with the team while following food safety and quality standards.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 2 years of professional barista experience in a busy café or specialty coffee environment is required.
• Proven experience operating commercial espresso machines and grinders is essential.
• Strong espresso extraction, grinder calibration, and milk-steaming skills.
• Latte art experience is a strong asset.
• Ability to work quickly, multitask, and stay composed during busy service periods.
• Previous POS, cash handling, and food preparation experience.
• A friendly, outgoing personality with strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization.
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently or with a team.
• Availability for early mornings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Smart Serve certification is an asset.

What Makes You a Great Fit

You know the difference between a good espresso and a bad one, and you care enough to make it right.

You can handle a lineup of drink orders without getting rattled, keep your station clean while working at full speed, and still make someone's morning a little better.

You take pride in your craft, work well with others, and understand that great coffee, consistency, and genuine hospitality are what keep guests coming back.

Think You've Got What It Takes?

If you've got the experience, know your way around an espresso machine, and can hit the ground running in a busy café, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: This is an experienced barista position. Previous professional barista experience is mandatory. We're looking for someone who can confidently step behind the machine and deliver from day one.

Great coffee. Good people. No shortcuts.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.95 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kitchener, ON N2G 4X8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person