Barista / Boba Tea Maker

Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Pay Range: $16.50$18 + tips

Position Summary:
The Barista / Boba Tea Maker is a core member of the team, responsible for crafting high-quality beverages and delivering exceptional service in a warm, inclusive environment. This role combines culinary precision with customer engagement, supporting both front- and back-of-house operations. Team members in this position are trained to uphold food safety standards, maintain cleanliness, and ensure every guest leaves with a positive experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Drink & Food Preparation:
Prepare a wide variety of boba teas, milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, and seasonal specialty drinks according to standardized recipes.
Cook, portion, and store toppings such as boba pearls, jellies, puddings, and syrups with attention to shelf-life, quality, and food safety protocols.
Ensure consistency in flavor, texture, sweetness, and presentation for every drink served.

Customer Service:
Greet every guest warmly and take customized orders accurately.
Provide knowledgeable recommendations on drinks and menu items.
Handle payments via POS system (cash, credit, and mobile payments).
Respond professionally to customer feedback or issues.

Cleanliness & Safety:
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation, including equipment, counters, utensils, and prep areas.
Follow all procedures for food handling, hygiene, and personal cleanliness.
Regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces and practice safe beverage handling.

Stocking & Support:
Monitor inventory of ingredients, supplies, and packaging materials; restock as needed during shifts.
Assist in receiving, labeling, and rotating deliveries and inventory.
Collaborate with other team members to manage rushes and maintain an efficient workflow.

Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED
Basic math skills for handling cash, calculating proportions, and using measurement tools.
Strong communication skills, with a friendly, team-oriented attitude.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods (up to 68 hours per shift).
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally (e.g., moving boxes of ingredients or milk containers).
Willingness to follow instructions and standard operating procedures with consistency.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):
Previous food service, barista, or fast-casual experience.
Familiarity with boba tea culture or Asian beverages.
Food handlers certification (required upon hire, if not already held).

Working Conditions:
Fast-paced cafe environment with frequent exposure to:
oHot beverage equipment (sealing machines, induction burners, etc.)
oRefrigerated and freezer units
oCleaning chemicals (gloves and training provided)
Flexible work hours required, including:
oEarly mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays
Periodic loud noise levels and busy customer flow

ADA & EEO Statement:
Unique Boba Flavors LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Were committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for both our team and our community.
We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable California labor laws. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.