Cafe Associate

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, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Customer service experience preferably in a café, coffee shop, or food-service environment.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field.
• Barista or beverage-preparation experience.
• Familiarity with cash handling and basic retail operations.
• Ability to follow recipes and prepare beverages or light menu items.

What's In It For You:

• Up to 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
• 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
• Employee discounts through ADP

Compensation

$17.50 - $17.50 USD

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.