Barista (Food Service Worker)

Colorado Springs, CO, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $20.78

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

None

Job Description

The Arnold Hall, Polaris Perk Coffee Shop is a specialty coffee operation located at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. This establishment operates under the Non-appropriated Fund (NAF), meaning it is involved in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities specifically for the Air Force and Space Force community. The coffee shop serves a variety of specialty beverages and food items to patrons at the academy, aiming to provide high-quality service and a welcoming environment for both military personnel and visitors. Although this position is NAF and does not include traditional benefits, it plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of a busy specialty coffee shop situated within a prestigious military institution.

The position at Arnold Hall, Polaris Perk Coffee Shop entails the role of a Barista who is skilled in preparing specialty beverages using commercial-grade espresso machines and handling various coffee and tea products. The barista is responsible for crafting drinks such as cappuccinos, brewed coffees, lattes, espressos, hot chocolate, Frappuccinos, iced coffees, fruit drinks, and smoothies by selecting proper ingredients and strictly following drink recipes. This role also includes preparing and serving assorted food items like sandwiches, cookies, muffins, and pastries among others. Beyond serving, the barista operates the cash register, handles payments, and ensures precise cash accountability. Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards is a recurring duty, including cleaning coffee machines, tables, dishwashing, and stocking condiment items.

This position requires meticulous adherence to health and safety standards, including obtaining a Food Handler's Certificate and completing a pre-employment physical exam. A background investigation is mandatory, reflecting the secure environment of the Air Force Academy. The barista must be able to lift and stand for long periods, exhibit the ability to memorize recipes, and work independently following initial instructions. Supervisory oversight ensures the quality and timeliness of work but encourages autonomy in daily operations. This role invites applicants from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, military spouses, and individuals with prioritized hiring preferences.

Working at the Arnold Hall Polaris Perk Coffee Shop offers a unique opportunity to be part of a community-focused establishment within the Air Force Academy, upholding excellent standards in specialty coffee service. The role is well-suited for those passionate about coffee preparation and customer interaction, capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and cleanliness. Though the position does not offer benefits, it provides valuable experience within a structured and supportive workplace environment committed to the wellness and morale of the military community.

Job Requirements

Completion of a background investigation with favorable results
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment physical
Ability to obtain a Food Handler's Certificate and/or complete food handler's training
Physically able to frequently lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds
Able to continuously stand, walk, stoop, reach, push, pull and bend for long periods of time
Ability to memorize specialty coffee drink recipes
Ability to hear and follow oral and/or written instructions
Must be a U.S. citizen or non-U.S. national who has resided in the U.S. territory for three or more consecutive years
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service
Direct deposit required
Must satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check
Must provide REAL ID or combination of source identity documents to access the installation
Pre-employment requirements must be satisfactorily met prior to entrance on duty

Job Qualifications

Must have experience in and knowledge of methods and procedures relating to specialty coffee preparation or similar activity
Barista must have knowledge of variety of drink recipes and knowledge of coffee beans and teas typically served at a specialty coffee operation
Must be able to know how to safely use the equipment such an espresso machine
Must be able to memorize specialty coffee drink recipes
Must have the ability to hear and follow oral and or written instructions, work safely, and do simple arithmetic
Must be physically able to frequently lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds
Must be able to continuously stand, walk, stoop, reach, push, pull and bend for long periods of time
Must be able to obtain a Food Handler's Certificate and/or complete food handler's training
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment physical is required
Satisfactory completion of a Tier 1 background investigation required

Job Duties

Prepares specialty beverages in a free standing specialty coffee operation
operates a commercial grade espresso machine
grinds fresh coffee beans
prepares beverage by adjusting the grind of the beans, dosing the amount of coffee to be used, tamps down the ground coffee in the basket and obtains the desired extraction
completes the non-alcoholic specialty beverages according to customer requests and established recipes
serves other mixed non-alcoholic beverages such as iced coffees, fruit drinks, smoothies and more by selecting proper ingredients and following recipes
serves and prepares assorted food items such as sandwiches, cookies, muffins, pastries etc
serves patrons directly, receives payment, operates cash register and returns change to patrons
maintains the machine in good working order following cleaning instructions and proper sanitization methods
sets up work area for operations and obtains cash bank
maintains that work area neat and clean
sets up/cleans tables for customers and replenish condiment items and stocks as necessary
sets up and operates dishwasher, performs preventative maintenance and cleaning
scrapes, soaks, scours glassware, dishes and utensils as required
performs heavy duty cleaning tasks as required as follows: coffee machines, ceilings, under and behind equipment, refrigerators, washes floors and walls, sanitizes garbage cans and etc
may unload and organize stock from delivery truck
collects/transfers trash from work area to disposal area
assists with inventories, identifies items for re-ordering
may be required to prepare documentation for cash funds accountability
incumbent is responsible for independently completing work as scheduled after initial oral or written instructions when changes or new assignments are made
supervisor provides guidance and evaluates work performance and is available to answer questions and resolve customer dissatisfactions
supervisor periodically checks to see that work is done on time and according to instructions
work is evaluated on ability to carry out supervisor's instructions concerning work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines
performs other related duties as assigned