Part-Time Café Baristas and Cashiers - (Hotel and Cafe Job)

Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a renowned public educational institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering personal and professional growth among its students. The college is committed to its mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives, all geared towards continuous improvement and excellence in education as well as student services. Among its many facilities, The Cafe at Kirkwood, situated in Iowa Hall on the main campus, plays a vital role in enhancing the campus experience by offering nutritious and gourmet meal options to students, staff, and guests. This Cafe operates alongside two satellite locations on campus and is part of the same team that manages The Hotel at Kirkwood, which ensures a consistent standard of hospitality and service excellence. The Cafe at Kirkwood prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create tasty and gourmet menus that cater to a diverse campus community. The establishment provides not just food and beverages but an inviting atmosphere where students and employees alike can enjoy their meals in a convenient and welcoming setting. The importance of the Cashiers and Baristas within this operation cannot be overstated, as these roles serve as the primary point of contact with customers, contributing significantly to a positive and efficient service delivery. The team members are expected to embody Kirkwood’s core competencies, which include advocating for continual improvement, collaborating with mutual accountability, championing service, demonstrating perseverance, and leading through positive influence regardless of title. This position focuses on morning shifts, Monday through Friday, emphasizing regular and consistent attendance during these hours. It offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about food service and hospitality to join a fast-paced yet friendly and inclusive team. Key responsibilities encompass greeting customers warmly, taking and accurately processing food and drink orders, answering menu-related questions, and promoting menu options to customers. Baristas will prepare and serve various hot and cold beverages, including coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, teas, smoothies, and ice cream desserts, while cashiers handle cash, check, and credit transactions following proper procedures. Beyond customer interaction, the role requires familiarity with food preparation and safety standards, including serving prepared foods, slicing fruits and desserts, wrapping and labeling food items, and maintaining sanitary food-handling practices. Employees must be skilled in using kitchen equipment such as blenders, coffee makers, soft-serve machines, dishwashers, and registers, following recipes and instructions accurately. The physical demands include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working occasionally in environments exposed to heat, cleaning chemicals, and potentially slippery surfaces. Kirkwood Community College embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to an environment that values differences and promotes mutual respect. The institution also strictly adheres to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process. This role is particularly suitable for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, customer service experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people. Preference is given to those with related hospitality experience and cash handling skills. Joining The Cafe at Kirkwood means becoming part of an energetic team committed to serving its community with excellence and care while fostering personal growth and collaborative success.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Customer service experience
• Experience with computers, hardware, and software
• Cash handling experience
• Ability to work morning shifts Monday through Friday
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to follow instructions and use kitchen equipment
• Good communication skills
• Positive attitude and teamwork spirit