Barista - Starbucks Coffee Company in San Mateo, 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 San Mateo, California, our Store# 05844 at DeAnza & Polhemus embodies this mission, offering a fast-paced environment where baristas brighten days through warm smiles, personalized service, and unforgettable coffee experiences. As a Starbucks partner, you'll join a company committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community impact, serving premium Arabica coffee roasted to perfection.

Role Overview

The Barista role at Starbucks in San Mateo is an entry-level position perfect for those who thrive in dynamic retail settings. No previous experience is required, making it ideal for career starters or anyone passionate about coffee and customer service. Baristas are the heart of the store, crafting beverages, preparing food, and fostering connections that turn every shift into an opportunity to make a difference. With flexible hours accommodating early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and nights, this role suits varied lifestyles while emphasizing growth through developmental experiences and industry-leading benefits.

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista, your daily duties focus on delivering excellence in every interaction. Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs, such as remembering favorite orders.
• Preparing high-quality food and beverages according to standard recipes, including customizations like temperature adjustments, ingredient quantities, or substitutions.
• 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 spark connection and brighten customers' days.

These tasks demand adaptability in a fast-paced environment, where you'll handle multiple responsibilities seamlessly.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks enthusiastic individuals ready to learn and grow. Basic qualifications include maintaining regular attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation. You must be available for flexible hours, meet store operating policies, and engage effectively with customers. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities encompass the ability to learn quickly, follow oral and written instructions (requesting clarification as needed), strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and relationship building. No prior experience is necessary—Starbucks invests in your training to excel as a barista.

Physical and Availability Requirements

Baristas should be prepared for a energetic store atmosphere, standing for extended periods, and handling light lifting. Availability for varied shifts is essential to support 24/7 operations in high-traffic locations like San Mateo.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks offers comprehensive benefits that set us apart in the retail and food sector. Partners enjoy medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and family expansion reimbursement. Accrue paid vacation starting at 0.01961 hours per 40-hour week (up to 64 hours annually in California), plus sick time (1 hour per 25-30 hours worked). Eligible partners receive 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 through 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. Enjoy everyday perks like free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, backup care, and DACA reimbursement. Visit starbucksbenefits.com for full details, noting variations by location and bargaining agreements.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is deeply invested in your professional journey. From barista, advance to shift supervisor, assistant store manager, and beyond, with tailored developmental experiences. Our culture empowers partners through training, mentorship, and leadership programs. Many executives started as baristas, proving limitless potential. In San Mateo, benefit from local networking and rapid promotion tracks in a thriving market.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's a community of passionate partners creating impact. In San Mateo, California, enjoy competitive estimated salaries ($37,000-$48,000 USD yearly), premium benefits, and a supportive team. We're an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants regardless of background, with reasonable accommodations available. Stand out in the coffee industry with a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. Craft connections, grow personally, and sip success daily.

Role FAQs

Is experience required for the Barista role?

No, no previous experience is needed. Starbucks provides comprehensive training.

What shifts will I work?

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

What benefits include tuition assistance?

100% upfront coverage for ASU online bachelor's, plus 401(k) match, Bean Stock, free coffee markouts, and Spotify Premium.

How does Starbucks support career advancement?

Through developmental programs, from barista to management roles worldwide.

Is this a full-time position?

Flexible, but opportunities for full-time schedules with full benefits eligibility.