Barista

Reports To: Depot Sous Chef

FLSA Status: Part time hourly, non-exempt

Prepared By: HR Director

Prepared Date: 4/23/26

Compensation: $17 per hour plus tips

Experience the Colorado lifestyle you actually moved here for. At the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, adventure is right outside your door. Nestled in the stunning Royal Gorge Region along the Arkansas River, Cañon City is Colorado’s hidden gem—with mountain access at your fingertips, world-class rafting and fishing, endless trails, rock climbing, hot springs, and skiing/snowboarding—all without battling I-70 traffic. The best part? You’ll prosper with a highly competitive wages and benefits, all at an affordable cost of living.

About Us: The Royal Gorge Route Railroad carries over 250,000 guests from around the world through Colorado's Royal Gorge. With stunning views, exceptional service, and delicious dining - the Royal Gorge Route experience is unlike anything else in the world.

We’re looking for BARISTAS who embody a genuine spirit of service, have a serious appetite for adventure and are seeking meaningful career growth. Always curious and caring, our team puts their heart into everything they do, striving to do their best no matter the task at hand. We are team players, problem solvers, innovators and lovers of people, travel and the Colorado life. If this sounds like the kind of place you want to be, we invite you to apply now! Join us and contribute your skills and talents while flourishing professionally at the Royal Gorge Route!

Summary: Cooks/Baristas work closely with guests preparing and serving food and beverages accurately, timely and to our guests’ expectations.

Essential Functions

• Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers, and a variety of other kitchen equipment
• Assumes 100% responsibility for the quality of products served
• Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures
• Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at each train kitchen to assure a smooth service period
• Portions food products before cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications
• Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area including tables, shelves, grills, panini grills, fryers, microwaves, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range, and refrigeration equipment
• Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sautéing, or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning, and/or marinating
• Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes
• Handles, stores, and rotates all products properly
• Assists in food prep assignments at the depot during off-peak periods as needed
• Closes the kitchen properly and follows the closing checklist for kitchen stations and/or assists others in closing the kitchen
• Attends all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement
• When working in the Caboose Café, prepares, makes, and serves coffee-based beverages and other types of beverages using provided equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management

Education/Minimum Requirements

• Prior cooking experience in a restaurant preferred but not required
• Prior barista experience is preferred but not required

Skills/Aptitudes

• English language and professional communication skills are required
• Ability to take direction and work under moderate supervision
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work quickly, calmly, and effectively under pressure
• Must have problem-solving abilities, be self-motivated, and organized
• Commitment to quality service and food knowledge

Working Conditions/Essential Job Functions

• This position will spend 98% of the time standing and 2% of the time sitting
• Fast-paced; constantly moving
• Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water
• Working closely with guests
• Must regularly stand, reach, stoop, climb steps, use fine motor skills, read, speak, and write
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Jewelry should be limited and not detract from a professional appearance or interfere with job performance. The following guidelines have been established:
• Rings may be worn on no more than two (2) fingers per hand.

• Employees may wear a maximum of two (2) pairs of earrings on the ear lobe only, of a style not exceeding 1/2” in diameter or 1” in length

• Hair should be clean, combed, and neatly trimmed. Shaggy, uncombed hair is not permissible. Unnatural colors or extreme hairstyles are not tolerated. For safety and health reasons employees with long hair must keep their hair pulled back, or restrained, with the exception of those who work in an office setting.

• We love Colorado and we care about our team members and our guests. That’s why the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is 100% smoke-free, inside and out. No smoking of any kind is allowed on any Royal Gorge Route Railroad properties or sister properties, including all Railroad property, on the train, at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, the Royal Gorge Mansion or the Royal Gorge Route Inns. We do not provide additional “smoke breaks” for any staff member beyond what is legally required. In addition, any staff member that smokes on a designated break, must not have any scents of smoke on clothing, hair and/or breath. Any staff member scene smoking or vaping on company owned property or the train will be subject to immediate termination.

  
  Being a smoke-free environment for guests and a smoke-free workplace for staff ensures we uphold our customer promise - to provide a world class experience. It also means we uphold our employee promise - to provide a healthy, professional, clean atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.