Job Description
The Retail Café Barista supports beverage preparation, food service, and guest experience in our retail café locations, with a focus on training, quality, and hospitality. This role involves crafting specialty drinks, assembling menu items,fulfilling Grubhub orders, maintaining clean and organized stations, and providing friendly, attentive service to all guests. Baristas work in a fast-paced environment where multitasking, clear communication, and a positive attitude are essential. No prior barista or food service experience is required - full on-the-job training is provided.
Essential Responsibilities
Greet and serve guests with a warm, friendly, and professional demeanor
Prepare specialty beverages, sandwiches, and light menu items to order, including Grubhub orders
Maintain knowledge of all menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens
Follow all food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures, including HACCP, knife safety, and allergy awareness
Maintain open communication between kitchen and front-of-house for smooth service
Arrive on time for shifts in the proper uniform
Keep workstations stocked, clean, and sanitized throughout service
Take and record food and beverage temperatures at required intervals
Break down and clean stations at the end of each shift; properly store or dispose of food items
Assist with cleaning and sanitizing café areas, including counters, coolers, tables, chairs, and high-touch points
Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems and handle transactions accurately
Assist with dining room setup before, during, and after service
Support inventory, stocking, and requisition processes as needed
Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members and supervisors
Find coverage for shifts you are unable to work and obtain supervisor approval
Perform other duties as assigned
Work Environment
Retail Café Baristas work in a food service environment that requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift. Applicants must meet a 2 hour minimum per shift, with availability for 3 scheduled shifts per week. Schedules are subject to fluctuation based on each cafes' operational needs. Work may involve operating café equipment, handling hot beverages, and working around heat, noise, and busy guest traffic. Team members are required to wear the full café uniform, including closed-toed shoes and a hair covering (hat or hairnet). Retail Café Barista's will be required to attend/complete periodic safety trainings to ensure understanding and compliance with all safety and sanitation policies.
Why Join Us?
Free Meal Exchange Passes
Free Shift Drink
Flexible hours and on-the-job training
Fun, fast-paced and inclusive work environment
Opportunities to develop customer service and barista skills
Be part of a supportive, diverse, and student-centered community
Hiring Manager: Aneesa Williams
Hiring range: $16/hr
About Us
Ithaca College's student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.
It is advised that applicants apply attaching both a resume and cover letter. Application screening will begin immediately. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the I-9 and employment eligibility requirements. You will need to bring your original, unexpired, authorized personal identification documents to your designated representative or The Office of Human Resources (Peggy Ryan Williams Center, Garden Level) to complete the form. More about acceptable documentation can be found here: Please note that photos or copies will not be accepted.
For assistance with the application process, contact Student Employment at StudentEmployment@ithaca.edu.
For more information about student employment or specific job inquiries, visit our website or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.