Barista and Cafe Assistant

Summary

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.

This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Barista & Cafe Assistant who will be all-in on our mission and who will provide excellent customer service, prepare quality beverages and food items, and support daily cafe operations. This front-of-house role requires strong multitasking skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with both customers and teammates in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

EDUCATION
Required: High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred: Some college coursework.

EXPERIENCE
Required: Three (3) months of experience in a cafe, restaurant, or customer service environment.

Preferred: Six (6) months of experience in a cafe, restaurant, or customer service environment.

CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred: Food Handler Certification

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet and interact with customers to create a welcoming atmosphere while taking orders accurately and efficiently.
• Provide knowledgeable assistance about menu items, answer customer questions, and offer personalized recommendations to enhance their cafe experience.
• Accurately handle cash and credit/debit transactions using the point-of-sale (POS) system while ensuring all transactions are processed securely and with attention to detail.
• Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, and specialty drinks, in accordance with established cafe recipes and presentation standards.
• Operate and care for cafe equipment, such as espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and brewers; perform routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure functionality and safety.
• Maintain beverage quality by following consistency guidelines, checking temperature, taste, and appearance for every drink served.
• Assist with basic food preparation by assembling sandwiches, salads, breakfast items, or grab-and-go meals, ensuring portion accuracy and presentation standards.
• Assist with light cooking tasks as needed, including the use of grills, ovens, toasters, or fryers while adhering to food safety and temperature guidelines.
• Plate and present food items neatly and consistently, ensuring they align with cafe appearance and quality standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized front-of-house area, including countertops, tables, seating, condiment stations, and other customer-facing spaces.
• Follow proper sanitation and hygiene practices by regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, tools, and work areas to meet health and safety standards.
• Assist with dishwashing and general back-of-house cleaning duties to support overall cafe cleanliness and efficient operations.
• Collaborate closely with the back-of-house and kitchen team, ensuring smooth communication and timely preparation and delivery of orders.
• Relay customer feedback, special requests, or complaints to the cafe manager or kitchen team in a timely and constructive manner to ensure guest satisfaction and continuous improvement.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a busy environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation techniques.
• Familiarity with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to prepare cafe drinks and operate cafe equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to fifty (50) pounds, and work in a high-heat environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and event shifts.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, this position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and occasional sitting throughout the workday. The employee must be able to lift and carry forty (40) to fifty (50) pounds on a regular basis.

Working Conditions: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying events if necessary).

Working Environment: This position works in a professional cafe food service environment as well as college bookstore. Must be able to work in Amarillo and offsite locations in and out of the area.