Barista - Starbucks Coffee Company in Lake Forest, California

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the premier coffeehouse chain worldwide, renowned for crafting the world's finest coffee one meaningful moment at a time. With thousands of stores across the globe, Starbucks creates warm, welcoming spaces where customers connect over exceptional beverages and food. In Lake Forest, California, our Sycamore Plaza store embodies this mission, offering a fast-paced yet rewarding environment for baristas to shine. As a Barista, you'll be at the heart of Starbucks' culture of connection, quality, and community impact. Starbucks invests heavily in its partners, providing industry-leading benefits and growth opportunities that set us apart in the retail and coffee industry.

Role Overview

The Barista role at Starbucks Store# 05236 in Sycamore Plaza, Lake Forest, California, is perfect for individuals who thrive in dynamic settings and love making a difference through every cup served. No previous experience is required, making it an accessible entry point into a fulfilling career. Baristas craft beverages with precision, engage customers with genuine warmth, and contribute to a team that prioritizes excellence. This position demands flexibility, with shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. Enjoy competitive pay estimated at $34,000-$42,000 annually based on local market rates, plus comprehensive benefits from day one.

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista, your daily impact includes:

• Engaging with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs, remembering favorite orders to spark joy.
• Preparing high-quality food and beverages according to standard recipes or customizations, such as adjusting temperatures, quantities, or ingredients.
• Maintaining store standards for quality products, cash handling, safety, and security.
• Performing diverse tasks across the store during each shift to ensure smooth operations.
• Creating meaningful moments that brighten customers' days in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks enthusiastic individuals ready to join our team. Basic qualifications include:

• Maintaining regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to meet store operating policies and standards.
• Strong ability to learn quickly, follow oral and written instructions, and seek clarification when needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities encompass quick learning, interpersonal skills, teamwork, relationship building, and clear communication. Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks partners enjoy unparalleled benefits, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and backup care.
• 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.
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Bean Stock equity program, discounted company stock (S.I.P.), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools.
• Education: 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, plus student loan management and DACA reimbursement.
• Exclusive Perks: Free coffee and tea markouts, Spotify Premium subscription, and access to additional educational opportunities.

Benefits comply with state laws, including California's enhanced leave provisions, and are subject to collective bargaining where applicable. Visit starbucksbenefits.com for full details.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is deeply invested in your growth journey. From developmental experiences to leadership training, Baristas can advance to roles like Shift Supervisor, Assistant Store Manager, and beyond. Our tuition coverage empowers partners to pursue degrees without debt, while Bean Stock offers ownership in the company. Many leaders started as Baristas, proving our commitment to internal mobility and long-term success in the coffee industry.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's a chance to be part of a global brand that values people, coffee, and community. In Lake Forest, you'll work in a vibrant store, build lasting relationships, and enjoy perks like free coffee markouts and Spotify Premium. With premium benefits, competitive estimated salary, and a supportive culture, Starbucks offers stability and excitement in retail careers. We're an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants regardless of background.

Role FAQs

Q: Is experience required? A: No previous experience is needed—we train you to succeed.

Q: What shifts are available? A: Flexible hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Q: What benefits start immediately? A: Eligible partners access insurance, tuition coverage, 401(k) match, Bean Stock, and more after introductory periods.

Q: How do I apply? A: Submit your application today and connect with our Lake Forest team.

Ready to craft moments that matter? Apply for the Barista position at Starbucks in Lake Forest, California now!