Barista - Starbucks Coffee Company in Santa Maria, California

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 Santa Maria, California, our Store# 05917 at Broadway and McCoy embodies the company's commitment to fostering warm, welcoming spaces where every visit sparks joy. As a Barista, you'll be at the heart of this mission, turning everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Starbucks isn't just a job—it's a platform for personal and professional growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Role Overview

The Barista role at Starbucks in Santa Maria, CA, is perfect for individuals who thrive in dynamic, customer-facing settings. No previous experience is required, making it an accessible entry point into the retail and food service sector. You'll craft high-quality beverages, prepare food items, and engage with guests to create personalized moments. This position demands flexibility, with shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. At Starbucks, Baristas are empowered to make decisions that enhance customer satisfaction while upholding the highest standards of store operations.

Why Santa Maria?

Santa Maria, located on California's Central Coast, offers a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural charm and coastal appeal. Joining Starbucks here means contributing to a local hub where neighbors gather, making it an ideal spot for building lasting relationships.

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista, your daily duties are varied and impactful:

• Engage with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs.
• Prepare beverages and food to exact standards or customize orders, adjusting for temperature, ingredients, or substitutions.
• Handle cash transactions securely while maintaining store safety and cleanliness.
• Perform multiple tasks per shift, from stocking to customer service, in a fast-paced environment.
• Anticipate customer preferences, like remembering favorite orders, to create warm, memorable interactions.

These responsibilities ensure every shift contributes to Starbucks' reputation for excellence.

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 beverages, food products, cash handling, safety, and security.

Required skills and abilities encompass the ability to learn quickly, follow oral and written instructions, exhibit strong interpersonal skills, work collaboratively in a team, and build genuine relationships with customers and colleagues.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks offers industry-leading benefits that support your well-being and future:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation accruing up to 64 hours annually in California, sick time (1 hour per 25-30 hours worked), paid parental leave, and holiday pay.
• Financial Wellness: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Bean Stock equity program, discounted company stock (S.I.P.), and incentivized emergency savings.
• 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 other opportunities.
• Exclusive Perks: Free coffee and merchandise markouts, Spotify Premium subscription, backup care, DACA reimbursement, and access to financial well-being tools.

Benefits comply with state laws, including California's enhanced leave provisions, and are detailed at starbucksbenefits.com.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks invests deeply in partner development. From hands-on training to leadership programs, Baristas gain skills transferable across retail, hospitality, and beyond. Many advance to shift supervisor, store manager, or corporate roles. With tools like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan offering 100% tuition coverage for ASU Online, you can pursue a degree without debt. The Bean Stock program grants equity, aligning your success with the company's growth. Whether aiming for management or exploring new paths, Starbucks provides the roadmap.

Training and Development

New partners receive comprehensive onboarding, focusing on coffee craftsmanship, customer service, and operational excellence. Ongoing developmental experiences ensure continuous improvement.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks as a Barista in Santa Maria means more than employment—it's joining a community dedicated to positive impact. Enjoy a premium work culture emphasizing inclusivity, with equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered per applicable laws. Starbucks provides reasonable accommodations; contact applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com or 1-888-611-2258 for assistance. Experience the pride of brightening days, the thrill of a fast-paced team, and perks like free coffee markouts and Spotify Premium. In a competitive job market, Starbucks stands out with its commitment to partners' holistic success.

Role FAQs

Q: Is experience required? A: No, we provide full training for all new Baristas.

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

Q: What benefits start immediately? A: Eligible partners access insurance, paid time off after introductory periods, and perks like free drinks from day one.

Q: How does career advancement work? A: Through performance, training, and programs like Bean Stock and tuition coverage.

Q: Is this full-time or part-time? A: Flexible, based on availability and store needs.

Apply today to become part of the Starbucks family in Santa Maria!