About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the premier global coffeehouse chain, renowned for crafting the world's finest coffee and creating meaningful connections one cup at a time. With thousands of stores across the United States and beyond, Starbucks has built a legacy of excellence in the coffee industry. In Merced, California, our Store# 70850 at HWY 59 & OLIVE AVE. serves as a welcoming community hub where baristas like you bring warmth and joy to every customer's day. As an equal opportunity employer, Starbucks commits to diversity, inclusion, and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Role Overview

As a Barista at Starbucks in Merced, California, you'll be at the heart of our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. No previous experience is required, making this an ideal entry-level opportunity in the retail and food sector. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, engaging with people, crafting beverages, and creating moments that matter. From remembering a favorite order to offering a warm smile, your role ensures every shift brightens someone's day. Flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, allow you to balance work with life while building a rewarding career.

Key Responsibilities

Your daily responsibilities as a Starbucks Barista will keep the store running smoothly and delight customers consistently. Key duties include:

• Engaging with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs.
• Preparing high-quality food and beverages according to standard recipes, including customizations like temperature adjustments, ingredient quantities, or substitutions.
• Maintaining store operating policies and standards, such as cash handling, food safety, and security measures.
• Performing a variety of tasks during each shift to support team operations.
• Ensuring consistent attendance and punctuality to deliver reliable service.

Customer Engagement Focus

At Starbucks, customer interaction is paramount. You'll build relationships by personalizing orders and creating welcoming experiences that encourage repeat visits.

Qualifications & Requirements

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

• Maintaining regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability for flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
• Ability to meet store operating policies and standards, including quality beverage preparation, cash handling, and safety protocols.
• Strong ability to learn quickly, follow oral and written instructions, and request clarification when needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities encompass strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, relationship building, and adaptability in a dynamic retail environment. No prior experience is necessary—Starbucks invests in your development from day one.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks offers industry-leading benefits that support your well-being and future. As a partner, you and your family gain access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and family expansion reimbursement. Enjoy paid vacation accruing up to 64 hours annually in California, sick time (1 hour per 25-30 hours worked), and premium pay on eight observed holidays.

Financial perks include a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, discounted company stock via S.I.P., Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Education benefits shine with 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 other opportunities. Additional perks: free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, backup care, and DACA reimbursement. Visit starbucksbenefits.com for full details.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is committed to your growth journey, offering developmental experiences, training, and pathways to advancement. Start as a Barista and progress to shift supervisor, assistant store manager, or beyond. Our culture empowers you with tools for success, including leadership programs and ongoing feedback. Many partners advance quickly, leveraging benefits like Bean Stock and tuition coverage to build long-term careers in the coffee industry.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's a chance to be part of a purpose-driven company that values partners as family. In Merced, California, you'll contribute to a vibrant community while enjoying premium benefits like 401(k) match, 100% ASU tuition coverage, free coffee markouts, and Spotify Premium. Experience a supportive team environment, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment. Starbucks complies with all state laws, including California's leave benefits, ensuring fairness and compliance.

Role FAQs

Is experience required for the Barista role?

No, no previous experience is required. Starbucks provides training for all new partners.

What shifts will I work?

Flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, based on store needs.

What benefits are available from day one?

Benefits like insurance and paid time off start after an introductory period, with tuition coverage and 401(k) match available to eligible partners.

How does Starbucks support career growth?

Through developmental experiences, Bean Stock equity, and tuition reimbursement for ASU Online, partners have clear paths to advancement.

Is this a full-time position?

Employment type varies, but opportunities for full-time hours with comprehensive benefits are available.