What are the responsibilities and job description for the Barista position at Switch Bakery?
Company Description
Switch Bakery is a dedicated gluten-free bakery and bistro committed to crafting delicious, gut-friendly foods. Focused on health-conscious options, the bakery avoids using corn, soy, or seed oils in its creations. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, Switch Bakery is known for its innovative approaches to food and a welcoming atmosphere. Our team is passionate about delivering high-quality products and excellent service to our community.
THE TOP 5 REASONS TO JOIN OUR TEAM:
- ETHOS: We really do love your guts! We are supporting that with great ingredients and training on how we turn those into exceptional food and great vibes in our bistro.
- LOCATION: Santa Cruz - we eat well, enjoy great vibes, run, surf, and bike in the ocean and mountains.
- COMMUNITY: Frankly, we have the best customers and are committed to cultivating a community around health and vitality.
- BENEFITS: Competitive salary, great food, and free bread every week!
- GROWTH: As our company grows and evolves, so will our careers. Get started with us and create your dream job.
Role Description
Shift-leading barista responsible for preparing high-quality espresso, coffee, and specialty food, guiding barbacks during busy periods, and delivering polished front-of-house service. Key duties include beverage and food prep, storytelling about coffee and ingredients, maintaining energy and urgency, and keeping the bar clean and well-stocked.
Core Responsibilities:
• Food & Beverage Service: Prepare and execute a high quality espresso, coffee, and specialty food service. Includes mastery of art, sizes, plating, and recipes.
• Front-of-House Show: Exemplify professionalism while interacting with guests and preparing beverages. Be the story teller of our coffee, ethos, and bakery ingredients.
• Guest service: The ability to take orders and manage register transactions, including card and cash transactions, sending orders to the kitchen, and take custom orders. Answer basic menu questions, and escalate complex questions to the chefs.
• Energy and Urgency: Maintain high energy, professionalism, and accuracy throughout the shift.
• Team Player: Be a guide for the barback and baking assistant during high volume periods to maintain a high quality service. Maintain a clean work station and stocked bar with a high degree of multi-tasking and accuracy.
Tips for Success:
• Ensure all coffees are dialed according to flavor, throughout your shift.
• Willingness to learn new skills, be coached, and accept feedback.
• Nurture ability to operate with energy and urgency for 6-8 hours a day. Maintain your ability to adapt, pivot, solve problems quickly as situations change.
• Look for service opportunities, make our guests feel special.
• Propose training times to improve coffee/kitchen skills.
Qualifications
- Proficiency in barista skills, including coffee and specialty drink preparation
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills to create a welcoming environment
- Effective verbal communication skills for engaging with customers and team members
- Basic knowledge of food preparation and maintaining food safety standards
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Prior café, bakery, or hospitality experience is a plus
- Passion for health-conscious and gluten-free products is an advantage
- Comfortable with repeated standing, lifting up to 40 lbs, and fast, physical work during peak periods.
- Reliable availability, for a minimum of 3-shifts per week.
- California Food Handlers Certificate, or willingness to complete within 30 days of hire date