What are the responsibilities and job description for the Café Assistant position at Tippet Rise Art Center?
About Tippet Rise
Tippet Rise Art Center is located in Fishtail, Montana, against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains, roughly midway between Billings and Bozeman and north of Yellowstone National Park. Set on a 12,500-acre working sheep and cattle ranch, Tippet Rise celebrates the union of music, art, architecture, and landscape. The art center exhibits large-scale, outdoor sculptures by some of the world’s foremost artists and architects, accessible via 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, or by the art center’s Sculpture Van Tours. Tippet Rise also presents an annual summer concert season—indoors and out—featuring internally acclaimed musicians.
Open Position: Café Assistant
The Café Assistant works closely with the Food & Beverage Manager to facilitate a welcoming and efficient café experience for visitors and special guests of Tippet Rise Art Center.
Primary responsibilities include taking and preparing orders, operating the point-of-sale system, serving food and beverages, maintaining a clean and organized café environment, restocking products, and assisting visitors with general inquiries. The Café Assistant plays an important role in creating a friendly and positive atmosphere for guests enjoying the café.
The Café Assistant will work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers including the Food & Beverage Manager, Visitor Center staff, and other Tippet Rise colleagues. The position requires excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, the Café Assistant will be a team player who is willing to collaborate, pitch in, and adapt as needed.
• Meet daily with the Food & Beverage Manager to review priorities and prepare for service
- Create positive interactions with all visitors and special guests
- Take food and beverage orders and process transactions using the point-of-sale system
- Prepare and serve beverages, and simple food items according to café standard
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming café and dining area
- Restock food, beverages, and supplies as needed throughout the day
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate restocking needs to the Food & Beverage Manager
- Answer visitor questions about café offerings and assist with general visitor inquiries
- Adhere to Food & Beverage team guidelines, including cleanliness standards, food safety practices, and established operating procedures
- Assist with opening and closing café duties including cleaning, restocking, and preparing for the next service period
- Work collaboratively with Visitor Center staff and other team members to support overall guest experience
- Assist with event service and special programs as needed
- Help maintain a positive and efficient workflow during busy periods
- Support additional café or guest service tasks as needed
• Previous experience in food service, hospitality, or customer service preferred
- Ability to operate a point-of-sale system and handle cash transactions
- Reliable transportation required
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in team environment
- Ability to exercise judgment and make sound decisions
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
- Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and integrity in interactions with visitors and staff
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, particularly during peak hours
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Frequently lifts and carries food, beverages and café supplies
- Frequently speaks with guests and uses a POS system
- May assist with moving or stocking café inventory
Employment Details
Terms: Part-Time Seasonal
Starting Date: August 6, 2026
Ending Date: September 13, 2026
Available Shifts: Wednesday - Sunday
- Possible opportunities to work shifts earlier or later in the season (June 19 - October 4,) based on availability
Hourly Wage: The salary for this position is $20.00 per hour. The salary represents Tippet Rise Art Center’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Reports to: Food & Beverage Manager
To apply, please submit your resume to chris.lockhart@tippetrise.org
These duties and responsibilities are not intended to represent a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position and are subject to change and adapt with the growth and needs of Tippet Rise. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.
Tippet Rise Art Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment opportunities.
Salary : $20