Barista Position at Starbucks Coffee Company in Laguna Hills, California

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the world's leading coffeehouse chain, renowned for crafting the finest coffee and creating meaningful connections one cup at a time. With thousands of stores across the globe, Starbucks has built a legacy of excellence, innovation, and community. In Laguna Hills, California, our Store# 05749 at Alicia & Bentley embodies this mission by providing a warm, welcoming space where customers find not just exceptional beverages but genuine moments of joy. As a Barista, you'll be at the heart of this experience, turning every shift into an opportunity to brighten someone's day.

Role Overview

The Barista role at Starbucks in Laguna Hills is perfect for individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and have a passion for people and coffee. No prior experience is required, making it an accessible entry point into the coffee industry. You'll craft beverages with precision, engage with diverse customers, and contribute to a positive store atmosphere. This position offers flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, allowing you to balance work with life while building valuable skills in customer service and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista, your day-to-day duties are varied and impactful:

• Engage with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs, remembering favorite orders for that personal touch.
• Prepare high-quality food and beverages according to standard recipes or customized requests, adjusting for temperature, ingredients, or substitutions.
• Maintain store standards for safety, security, cash handling, and product quality.
• Perform multiple tasks per shift, from brewing coffee to restocking and cleaning, ensuring seamless operations.
• Create welcoming moments with warm smiles, fostering connections that keep customers coming back.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks enthusiastic individuals ready to learn and grow. Basic qualifications include:

• Maintaining regular attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Adherence to store policies on quality, safety, and security.
• Strong ability to learn quickly, follow instructions, and request clarification when needed.

Required skills encompass strong interpersonal abilities, teamwork, relationship building, and the capacity to handle a fast-paced retail setting. Starbucks is committed to equal opportunity employment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks invests in its partners with industry-leading benefits that support your well-being and future:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Financial Wellness: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Bean Stock equity program, incentivized emergency savings, and stock discount via S.I.P.
• Education Support: 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program, plus student loan management and DACA reimbursement.
• Time Off: Paid vacation (up to 64 hours annually in California), sick time (1 hour per 25-30 hours worked), paid parental leave, and holiday pay.
• Exclusive Perks: Free coffee and merchandise markouts, Spotify Premium subscription, backup care, and family expansion reimbursement.

Visit starbucksbenefits.com for full details, noting variations based on location and bargaining agreements.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is dedicated to your professional development. From hands-on training to leadership programs, you'll gain skills transferable across industries. Many Baristas advance to shift supervisor, store manager, or corporate roles. Our commitment to growth includes developmental experiences, tuition assistance, and tools for long-term success in the coffee and retail sectors.

Pathways to Promotion

Entry-level Baristas often progress quickly with performance and initiative. Access mentorship, online courses, and district support to climb the ladder.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's a chance to be part of a purpose-driven culture that values inclusivity, innovation, and impact. In Laguna Hills, you'll serve a vibrant community while enjoying competitive pay, robust benefits, and a supportive team. With estimated salaries reflecting local market rates, plus perks like free coffee markouts and Spotify Premium, this role offers immediate rewards and lasting opportunities. Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants regardless of background.

Role FAQs

Is experience required for the Barista position?

No, no previous experience is needed. Starbucks provides training to succeed.

What shifts are available?

Flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.

What benefits do Baristas receive?

Health insurance, 401(k) match, Bean Stock, 100% ASU tuition coverage, paid time off, free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, and more.

How much does a Barista earn in Laguna Hills, CA?

Estimated $34,000-$42,000 annually, based on local retail/food sector rates, with opportunities for tips and raises.

Does Starbucks offer career advancement?

Yes, with structured paths from Barista to management and beyond, supported by education benefits.