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

Compensation

$17.50 — $17.50 USD

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.