5 Open Positions
Work at THE OP
We're hiring operators — people who run the show, not just fill shifts. THE OP pays franchise-CEO-level compensation because you're building a community landmark in the heart of the Black Hills.
$145K here = $210K+ in Denver or Austin
Median home price in Custer: $285K vs $550K+ in major tech hubs. Your dollar goes further. Your quality of life goes through the roof.
of living
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Small Teams, Big Impact
3 people Year 1. Every person is critical. No middle management — you report directly to the founder.
$145K Minimum
Barista to CEO, everyone starts at $145K. Above market because we want the best people in the Black Hills.
No Resumes
Show us your work. Send a portfolio link, record a 60-90 second video, and book a time to talk.
Black Hills Lifestyle
Custer, South Dakota. Gateway to Custer State Park. Mountains, community, and a 15-acre campus.
Open Positions
Every role starts at $145K+. Full benefits from day one. No exceptions.
Cafe Manager
Oversee daily operations at THE OP. Manage the team, maintain coffee program quality, handle inventory and supplier relationships, and ensure every customer leaves with a story. You are the person who makes this shop legendary in the Black Hills.
Lead Barista
Third-wave espresso, latte art, and an unmatched customer experience. Train new baristas, curate the rotating roster of Black Hills roasters, and set the standard for every drink that leaves the counter. This is craft, not just coffee.
Merch Coordinator
Curate BHC branded apparel, local artisan goods, and tourist souvenirs. Manage inventory, build relationships with local makers, and turn THE OP merch counter into the most talked-about gift shop in the Black Hills.
Campus Host
Welcome every visitor to the Grow Campus. Manage the drive-through window, lead investor tour experiences, and serve as the community ambassador. You are the first face people see and the reason they come back.
Prep Cook
Daily prep for counter service items, baked goods sourcing, and local supplier coordination. Work with Black Hills farms and bakeries to keep the menu fresh, seasonal, and unmistakably local.
Day 1
Your First Day at THE OP
No waiting for equipment. No hunting for logins. You walk in ready to work from day one.
MacBook Pro
Latest model, configured and ready for your first shift
AirPods Pro
For campus comms, music during prep, and podcast listening
THE OP Branded Gear
Premium And Collar wardrobe package with THE OP branding
Welcome Package
Kokada snacks, local coffee sampler, park passes, and BHC swag
Campus Tour
Walk the 15-acre Grow Campus, meet the BHC team, and see what you are part of
First Cup On Us
Pull your first espresso shot, mark your name on the wall, and join the family
Benefits
Every full-time role gets $145K+ salary, full Apple kit, premium healthcare, and perks designed for the Black Hills lifestyle.
Insurance & Retirement
Health/Dental/Vision
Family coverage, 100% employer-paid PPO. No deductible games. Mental health coverage included.
Life & Disability
Group life plus short-term and long-term disability insurance included from day one.
401(k) with 4% Match
Vested immediately. No cliff. Start building wealth the same week you start pulling espresso.
Hardware & Tools
MacBook Pro
Latest model, refreshed on a 3-year cycle. For scheduling, inventory, and campus comms.
iPhone + AirPods Pro
Company-owned iPhone and AirPods Pro. Stay connected across the campus.
Full Apple Ecosystem
iPad Pro and Apple Watch included. All devices provided and maintained.
Perks & Lifestyle
Daily Meal & Drink Credit
Free coffee, lunch, and Kokada snacks every shift. You never pay for a meal on campus.
And Collar Wardrobe
$500/yr premium branded athleisure. You are a walking brand ambassador.
State & National Park Passes
Family passes to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and regional attractions.
VIP Tourism Access
Deadwood, Sturgis, and Black Hills adventures. This is your backyard.
$1,500/mo Car Allowance
Field reps and campus roles get a monthly vehicle stipend. Drive the Black Hills on us.
Housing & Education
Campus Housing Available
Pass Creek housing at internal transfer pricing. Relocation assistance for out-of-state hires.
Seed Academy Access
Free tuition for your children. AI fluency, entrepreneurship, and leadership curriculum.
The Culture
Why THE OP Is Different
This is not a barista job. This is an operator role at a venture-backed campus company with a $145K salary floor and a view of the Black Hills from your break room.
Tourist Gateway
2M+ visitors pass the Grow Campus via Custer State Park every year. You are the face of the Black Hills for thousands of tourists.
Evening Monopoly
THE OP is the ONLY cafe open after 6:30pm in Custer. Zero competition in the evening window. You own the night.
Zero-Rent Advantage
Campus-owned real estate means 15-20% margin advantage over every competitor. That margin funds your salary.
Black Hills Lifestyle
Mountains, clean air, low cost of living, and a community that knows your name. This is not a job. It is a life upgrade.
GrowWise POS Live Demo
Every coffee order runs through GrowWise. Visiting investors watch the platform in action while you serve them espresso.
Apply to THE OP
No resumes. No cover letters. Show us who you are.
Or email us directly at careers@theopcuster.com
Venture-Backed, Not Bootstrapped
THE OP is part of the Black Hills Consortium's $52M capital raise. Our compensation philosophy is backed by institutional investment — not revenue alone. We build for the long term.
THE OP is one of 13 companies in the Black Hills Consortium. Your work here feeds the flywheel — a thriving cafe drives campus foot traffic, foot traffic drives events, events drive investment, investment builds the community.