Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for a Lead Barista to take real ownership of our coffee program — the person who sets the standard behind the espresso bar and makes sure every shift runs like clockwork. You’ll lead a small team, model great attitude and technique, and keep ordering, par levels, and station standards running smoothly alongside the F&B Supervisor. This role calls for a genuine passion for coffee and a sharp eye for detail, whether you’re training a newer barista, dialing in a new drink, or keeping your cool during a packed morning rush. If you love the craft, take pride in running a tight operation, and want to help set the tone for the whole team, we’d love to have you leading ours.
Why Sugar Bowl?
Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.
Who You Are
- Genuinely passionate about serving the best coffee in the mountains
- A natural leader, comfortable guiding a small team
- Sets the example for attitude, grooming, and performance
- Warm and engaging, with a knack for making guests feel welcome
- Comfortable enforcing standards with fairness and consistency across the team
- Detail-oriented, especially when it comes to equipment upkeep and product quality
- 1+ year of barista experience, with prior lead or mentoring experience a plus
- Strong memory and attention to detail for orders, modifications, and guest preferences
- Clear, friendly communicator who builds rapport quickly with guests
- Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for a resort operating schedule
- Committed to providing excellent, attentive service to every guest, every time
- Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed; a versatile, team-first mindset
- Holds, or is willing to obtain, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification
- Holds, or is willing to obtain, a current California Food Handler’s certification
What You’ll do
- Supervise and execute the setup and breakdown of the espresso bar, including any satellite locations
- Assist with ordering and maintaining par levels for coffee, dairy, and related products
- Help build and manage the barista team’s schedule alongside the F&B Manager
- Lead the development of signature drinks, seasonal specials, and menu updates
- Own the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the espresso bar and storage areas
- Greet and engage with guests, and prepare coffee beverages to Sugar Bowl standards
- Ensure excellent service to guests and support fellow baristas to keep operations running smoothly
- Show up as an exemplary team player and set the tone for the rest of the team
- Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for product preparation
- Follow standards for merchandising, stocking, rotating, and storing products
- Perform cleaning tasks in accordance with duty rosters and cleaning standards
- Present yourself professionally and communicate clearly, using plus-one service in all guest and staff interactions
- Master POS and KDS terminal operation, and help train others on their use
- Enforce standards consistently with all team members
- Flag any equipment issues immediately to keep the station running smoothly
- Bring forward ideas for how the team can keep getting better
- Assist with setup and breakdown of events as needed
- Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for 8–10 hour shifts
- Comfortable working near hot liquids, steam, and espresso equipment
- Manual dexterity for operating espresso machines, grinders, and point-of-sale/KDS systems
- Comfortable lifting and carrying supplies (milk, coffee, syrups) up to 30 lbs
- Basic math skills for accurate cash handling and inventory counts
- Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to manage a busy station and team, and respond quickly to guest needs
Winter Benefits
- Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
- Paid sick time
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development opportunities
- Free ski and tubing passes for employees
- Free ski passes for dependents
- 50% off food at our restaurants
- Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
- Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
- Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
- Hotel discounts
- Employee ski reciprocal programs