Ember Coffee Co. Barista Big Lake, MN · Full time Company website

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Ember Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery and cafe based in Big Lake, Minnesota.

About This Role

You're the first face people see when they walk through our door, and that matters more than most job descriptions will admit. At Ember, being a Team Member means you're not just taking orders — you're the reason someone's morning goes a little better than it otherwise would have.

We cross-train every person on the floor in all three positions: cashier, bar, and food service. That means you'll know the whole operation, not just one corner of it. And we train you as a true barista—not just someone who runs a machine, but someone who understands why fine espresso behaves the way it does, how to hand-craft drinks with intention, and how to make latte art that actually looks like something. We take the craft seriously, and we'll teach you to do the same.

What You'll Earn

Starting pay is $15 per hour, plus tips. Our baristas average around $8 per hour in tips on top of that, putting typical take-home closer to $23 per hour from the start (following 30-day onboarding)

We also offer profit sharing. When you hit certain upselling goals, that sharing can add up to $2 more per hour on top of your base. It's a way of making sure that when the shop wins, everyone wins—and that the people doing the work get a real piece of it.

What You'll Bring

You're at least 18 years old, you move well in a fast-paced environment, and you genuinely like people. A background in restaurant, retail, or customer service is helpful but not a requirement—we care more about who you are than where you've worked.

This is a team environment, and that word means something here. The best shifts happen when everyone is paying attention to what needs doing, picking up for each other without being asked, and following direction from leads and managers without pushback. We're not looking for someone who needs to be the star—we're looking for someone who makes the whole team better by showing up fully and doing their part.

Weekend availability is required. Saturdays and Sundays are some of our busiest days, and we need people who can be counted on to be there. If your schedule doesn't allow for weekends, this role isn't the right fit.

What It Looks Like in the Shop

Every person who walks through our door should feel like they were expected. That means greeting people warmly, learning regulars' names and orders when you can, and creating an atmosphere where someone who's never tried specialty coffee feels just as welcome as someone who orders a single-origin pour-over without blinking. Hospitality isn't a script—it's a posture. We'll teach you the craft, but the genuine warmth has to come from you.

What You'll Get

Flexible scheduling that fits your life, an employee discount, paid time off after meeting requirements, and real development opportunities. We promote from within, and we invest in the people who invest in us.

Physical Requirements

This role involves seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. You'll be on your feet for 4 to 8 hours per shift with intermittent movement throughout. These requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodations.

A Few Notes

Duties may evolve over time. Ember Coffee Co. reserves the right to adjust responsibilities at management's discretion. This description reflects the general scope of the role, not an exhaustive list. Ember Coffee Co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, and Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.