BARISTA at Gimme Coffee, Inc. – Ithaca, New York

SUMMARYBaristas are responsible for creating an outstanding experience for all Gimme customers. Baristas work individually and as part of a team to provide excellent customer service, prepare high quality beverages, carry out store operations, maintain a clean and pleasant store environment, and constantly seek to further their coffee knowledge and improve their skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThis position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIESCustomer Service & Cafe Environment (Major)Provides excellent customer service; anticipates and responds to customer needs; proactively resolves customer concerns.

Smiles at and makes appropriate eye contact with customers.

Maintains a welcoming and pleasant cafe atmosphere.

Expedites customer orders and line movement; takes orders and marks cups accurately; sets up drinks appropriately.

Shows interest in coffee: asks questions, seeks further knowledge, and shares coffee knowledge with customers appropriately and articulately.

Demonstrates knowledge of merchandise and pastries.

Beverage Preparation (Major)Prepares and serves all beverages and supply recipes to standard, including espresso, bulk brew, manual brew, specialty drinks, and tea.

Prepares consistent and delicious espresso and communicates parameters to co-workers and QC team.

Serves milk at proper temperature and texture; pours latte art to standard.

Practices efficient workflow; keeps up bar and service speed.

Maintains a clean working environment.

Remains calm and productive under pressure.

Attends labs and cuppings with enthusiasm; participates, accomplishes learning objectives, and applies knowledge on bar.

Stays familiar with coffee tasting notes; tastes coffee frequently and maintains knowledge.

Store Operations (Major)Works in a sanitary manner; practices personal cleanliness, proper handwashing and hand care, correct food handling, adherence to work attire policies, avoiding unsanitary habits and actions, and notifying supervisors of health issues and illness.

Correctly and accurately handles cash, records paid-outs, and completes opening and closing cash drawer tasks.

Carries out maintenance and cleaning procedures according to standards; seeks to organize, neaten, and beautify at all times. Shows initiative in seeking out and completing side-work tasks.

Adheres to FIFO and follows company standards for stocking, rotating, storing, and merchandising products. Helps maintain a clean and organized back-stock/store-room.

Prepares for shift change-over to ensure smooth and efficient transition; sets up next shift for success; completes shift checklists.

Contributes to store sales goals.

Communicates scheduling requests to SM in a timely fashion and follows request protocol.

Actively communicates in the daily shift planner and reads all store memos in a timely fashion.

Other Essential FunctionsUpholds the values and mission of Gimme! Coffee.

Follows all policies and procedures set by Gimme! Coffee

Performs other duties as requested by supervisor. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal and customer service skills: active listening, social perceptiveness, and service orientation (actively looking for ways to help people).

Strong speaking skills; ability to speak clearly and communicate information effectively.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification.

Ability to work without direction and solve problems appropriately and independently.

Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Ability to multi-task, prioritize, adapt, and and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to add, subtract , and count money accurately.

Appreciation for coffee and ability to accurately distinguish different coffee tastes and aromas.

Ability to hear and see close detail in order to monitor beverage quality.

Experience, Education, and Training Retail or customer service experience strongly preferred

Specialty coffee experience preferred

(NYC only) Food Handler’s Certificate or ability to secure it within first 60 days of employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONSWhile performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is subject to the following requirements:

Physical activities: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, dexterity, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion.

Physical requirements:

Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned, operate machinery, and to make general observations of facilities or structures.

The worker is frequently required to taste and smell coffee for evaluation purposes.

Working conditions:

The worker is subject to occasional outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards (such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, and exposure to high heat), and is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.

Tools used: coffee brewing and grinding equipment; sinks, refrigerators, and registers; ladders and stairs; computers and office equipment.

COMPENSATIONGimme! Coffee offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Gimme! Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.