Barista

Hidden Grounds brings South Asian chai culture and thoughtful specialty coffee to the same bar. At our 4C Easton espresso bar near Rutgers, technical craft should still feel welcoming. We are looking for a full-time Barista who is curious, dependable and willing to practice until the small details become consistent.

Advanced coffee knowledge is not required. We provide structured paid training in espresso, milk, chai, pour-over, current recipes, food preparation, POS operation, hospitality, food safety, cleaning, opening and closing. Previous cafe, food-service or customer-service experience is helpful, but reliability, coachability and care matter more than arriving with a perfect coffee resume.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

- Prepare espresso drinks, brewed and pour-over coffee, chai, cold beverages and current food items to approved recipes.

- Learn espresso dialing, milk steaming, drink assembly, chai preparation, cold-brew workflows and required latte-art fundamentals.

- Operate the POS accurately and communicate modifiers, waits and handoffs clearly.

- Welcome guests and explain products honestly, without jargon or invented claims.

- Complete quality checks and remake products that do not meet the standard.

- Wash dishes; clean espresso equipment, counters, cafe areas and restrooms; handle waste and recycling; sweep and mop.

- Complete opening, restocking, shift-change, cleaning and closing checklists.

- Follow food-safety, allergen, labeling, storage and sanitation procedures.

- Support the busiest station during rushes and leave a complete handoff for the next shift.

YOU MAY BE A STRONG FIT IF YOU

- Show up reliably and communicate early when something changes.

- Enjoy learning detailed recipes and repeating technical processes consistently.

- Can work with urgency without sacrificing accuracy or kindness.

- Are willing to clean, stock, wash dishes and complete closing work as part of hospitality.

- Receive feedback thoughtfully and keep practicing.

- Can perform the essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, in-person role at 4C Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ. Expect approximately 32-40 hours per week based on business needs. Availability for a sustainable mix of opening, daytime and closing shifts, including weekends as scheduled, is required. There is no night-shift requirement. Base pay is $16-$17 per hour, plus tips.

Paid training, an employee discount and earned sick leave under applicable law and Hidden Grounds policy are included. Paid vacation is not currently offered.

Apply through Poached. Candidates who pass the initial job-related review may be invited to complete the Hidden Grounds careers application as the next step. It includes a resume and short video introduction; thoughtful answers matter more than polished production.

Hidden Grounds makes employment decisions using job-related qualifications and business needs. We consider applicants who can perform the essential responsibilities of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.