Barista

About the Property

Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia overlooks the Inner Harbour and is celebrated as one of Canada’s leading hotels. The property has earned recognition from Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and MICHELIN, and features 431 guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Spa, Q at the Empress, and the well-known Tea at the Empress in the Lobby Lounge. Following a major restoration in 2017 and a refreshed Fairmont Gold Experience introduced in 2023, the hotel combines historic character with modern luxury on Vancouver Island’s iconic Castle on the Coast.

What the Role Involves

• Prepare and present specialty coffee, tea, and other drinks in line with Fairmont standards.
• Use espresso machines, grinders, and related coffee equipment carefully and efficiently.
• Keep beverage quality, consistency, and presentation at a high standard.
• Deliver courteous, timely, and personalized service to every guest.
• Support inventory management by rotating stock and restocking coffee-related supplies.
• Handle transactions through the point-of-sale system accurately, including cash and card payments.
• Close out shifts by balancing cash, preparing daily reports, and reconciling sales.
• Recommend and promote food and beverage items to increase sales.
• Maintain cleanliness of the barista counter, equipment, and storage spaces.
• Follow all hygiene, safety, and sanitation procedures during beverage preparation and service.
• Carry out other duties as required.

What You Bring

• At least 2 years of recent barista or beverage service experience gained within the last 5 years in a busy or premium setting.
• Valid Food Safe certification.
• Working knowledge of specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and tea preparation.
• Experience using cash handling procedures and POS systems.
• Ability to operate coffee equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong organization and the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Guest-focused attitude with the ability to anticipate needs and respond appropriately.
• Comfortable communicating fluently in English, both spoken and written.
• Professional grooming and a polished appearance.

Benefits and Perks

• Discounted stays and additional colleague benefits through the employee card across Accor properties worldwide.
• Special discounts for Fairmont and Raffles colleagues, plus Friends & Family offers at Fairmont Empress.
• Access to the Pacific Northwest Food & Beverage Discount Program, including 50% off at dining venues in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler.
• Opportunities to build a career within the property and across the wider organization.
• Free meal during shifts through the colleague dining program.
• Complimentary laundering of uniforms.
• Health and wellness support, including extended healthcare, RMT, dental, vision, counseling, wellness sessions, and financial and family planning resources through LifeWorks.
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP).
• Coaching and leadership mentoring opportunities to support professional development.
• Hourly pay of $20.21 to $23.10.

Additional Information

This role is physically demanding and may involve repetitive tasks as well as lifting and carrying heavy loads.

Candidates must already be legally eligible to work in Canada. The employer cannot help with obtaining Canadian work authorization.

The workplace is described as a vibrant hospitality environment at the centre of Victoria’s culture and history, combining heritage character with contemporary style. The company also emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, aiming to attract, recruit, and promote diverse talent.

About the Employer

The organization presents itself as a global hospitality company that values individuality, encourages learning and development, and offers opportunities to grow while building a career in a purpose-driven environment.

Brand Statement

The company promotes a hospitality philosophy centered on passion, care for the world, and innovation, encouraging team members to help shape the future of hospitality.