Cafe Associate

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long-learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today! **Position Summary** A Café Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience by providing friendly, efficient service while maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This position is ideal for individuals eager to learn barista skills, food preparation, and point-of-sale operations. The Café Associate is responsible for upholding health department standards, ensuring food and beverage quality, and supporting smooth day-to-day café operations. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, highly organized, and committed to upholding the café’s values and brand standards. **Key Responsibilities** **Operational Tasks** - Greet customers, take orders, and operate the POS system accurately. - Process customer transactions quickly and accurately while maintaining secure and compliant cash-handling practices. - Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and other beverages to café standards. - Assemble light food items such as pastries, sandwiches, or grab-and-go items. - Restock front-of-house items including cups, lids, pastries, condiments, and merchandise. - Maintain dining and service areas by cleaning tables, wiping counters, and sweeping floors. - Support opening and closing duties such as setting up displays, brewing coffee, or shutting down equipment. - Monitor café inventory and alert supervisors when stock levels are low. **Customer Service & Quality Assurance** - Ensure all beverages and food items meet established standards for taste, appearance, and presentation. - Follow recipes, preparation guidelines, and allergen-awareness procedures to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality service. - Maintain proper storage, handling, and rotation of ingredients to uphold freshness and food safety. - Observe and enforce food safety practices, including temperature checks, sanitation routines, and cross-contamination prevention. - Monitor product displays and remove items that are outdated, damaged, or below quality standards. - Keep customer-facing areas clean, welcoming, and compliant with health-code requirements. - Provide prompt, friendly, and professional service, addressing guest questions or concerns with a solution-focused approach. - Contribute to a positive, welcoming atmosphere that supports guest satisfaction and encourages repeat visits. **Administrative & Operational Support** - Participate in staff meetings, process improvements, and operational initiatives. - Complete additional tasks and projects as assigned by management. - Assist with inventory tracking by noting shortages or overstocked items. - Maintain signage, menu boards, and product labels as directed by management. - Document equipment issues, customer feedback, or safety concerns for management follow-up. **Minimum Requirements** - Minimum 1 year of experience in a customer service role - High school diploma or equivalent. - Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and special events. - Must have basic math skills for cash handling and operating a POS system - Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain certifications (e.g., ServSafe). - Ability to lift 20-30 lbs, stand for extended periods, a…