Barista / Front of House Support

Pearl's is a well-established bakery and cafe located in Albany, NY, known for its high-quality baked goods and exceptional customer experience. The bakery prides itself on crafting delicious daily baked products using fresh ingredients, providing not just food but a warm, community-focused environment for its guests. Pearl's combines artisanal baking traditions with modern hospitality practices, making it a beloved local spot for both regular patrons and visitors. Employees at Pearl's enjoy being part of a close-knit team where every role is valued and cross-training offers a chance to develop a diverse skill set across front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

We are currently seeking a motivated and adaptable individual for the part-time Floater position. This role is designed for a versatile team member who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to engage with customers while supporting multiple stations within the bakery and cafe. The work hours for this position are from 5:30 am to 3:00 pm on either Wednesday through Friday or Saturday and Sunday, with an hourly pay rate of $16-$17, plus tips. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have restaurant experience and a passion for hospitality, as bakery experience is preferred but not essential—willingness to learn and be trained is a priority.

As a Floater, the candidate will be cross-trained across nearly all stations, with a primary focus on front-of-house duties such as being a barista and customer relations specialist. They will also gain experience working at the cold sandwich station, participate in cream cheese making, engage in light baking, handle inventory management, and contribute to overall restaurant maintenance. This role affords the chance to develop exceptional multitasking skills and attention to detail while delivering outstanding service. At Pearl's, we value team members who have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, a good sense of humor, adaptability, and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with the community and guests.

Beyond routine tasks like processing orders and making coffee, the ideal candidate will cultivate personal connections by learning customers' names and preferences, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience. This position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a dedication to cleanliness and safety standards, and the ability to work collaboratively with others in a dynamic setting. The work environment includes handling nuts and gluten products, so candidates must be able to safely operate within these conditions.

Employees at Pearl's enjoy many benefits including a complimentary meal and coffee drink during service hours, access to daily fresh baked products and leftovers, and the potential to earn tips totaling an average of $300 weekly. These tips are added to the bi-weekly paycheck and cash tips are shared daily among service staff. Attendance flexibility and dedication are rewarded, with the understanding that hours may adjust based on individual skill level and initiative. Pearl's fosters a supportive atmosphere where 'rockstar' performers are recognized and motivated to grow.

The schedule includes shifts primarily on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, from 5:30 am to 2:30 pm, though variations can occur. Pearl's is committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace that complies with OSHA health codes and CDC guidelines concerning sanitation and COVID-19 safety. This position requires candidates to be at least 17 years old, have reliable transportation, be able to lift 50 pounds or more, and be vaccinated against COVID-19. References are also required for successful applicants.