Team Member [Barista + Kitchen]

Lofty Coffee, Inc•Encinitas, CA

About The Position

Our Café Team Members are the heart of the guest experience. This cross-trained role supports both front-of-house barista service and back-of-house kitchen operations. You will craft high-quality beverages, prepare food, and create a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment for every guest. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced café setting, enjoys both coffee and food preparation, and takes pride in teamwork, consistency, and attention to detail.

Requirements

Previous café, restaurant, or food service experience preferred
Experience as a barista and/or kitchen team member highly desirable
Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and safe food handling practices
Passion for coffee and willingness to learn about espresso and brewing methods
Strong time management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment
Highly organized with attention to detail
Positive, team-oriented attitude
Proficiency with SQUARE POS systems
Food Handler’s Permit
Flexible availability including mornings, weekends, and holidays
Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 75 lbs, and perform repetitive tasks

Responsibilities

Create a genuine, welcoming environment where every guest feels valued and cared for from the moment they enter.
Deliver exceptional guest service with confidence, warmth, and attention to detail in every interaction.
Serve as a knowledgeable brand ambassador by confidently sharing information about our coffee and libations, menu offerings, seasonal items and retail coffee.
Anticipate guest needs, proactively offer thoughtful recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns with professionalism and grace.
Uphold and reflect LOFTY Coffee’s core values of integrity, quality, excellence, and community in all guest and team interactions.
Prepare espresso-based beverages, manual pour-overs, batch brew, teas, and specialty drinks with precision and consistency according to company recipes and presentation standards.
Dial in espresso daily by calibrating grinders, monitoring extraction time, yield, and taste, and making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal flavor profiles.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of espresso theory, milk chemistry, and proper steaming techniques to achieve ideal texture, temperature, and latte art presentation.
Maintain strict quality control standards by tasting espresso regularly, identifying flavor defects, and ensuring every beverage meets LOFTY Coffee’s expectations before serving.
Execute drink preparation efficiently during peak service while maintaining composure, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
Properly operate, clean, and maintain espresso machines, grinders, brewers, filtration systems, and related equipment to preserve performance and longevity.
Accurately enter orders using the Square POS system, confirm guest modifications, and ensure seamless communication with the kitchen when applicable.
Maintain an organized, fully stocked, and immaculate bar station at all times, following FIFO standards for milk, syrups, and coffee beans.
Prepare cafe offerings including egg plates, specialty sandwiches, and composed bowls with precision, efficiency, and attention to presentation.
Execute all recipes according to established portioning, plating, and quality standards to ensure consistency.
Maintain strict freshness standards by properly rotating ingredients (FIFO), monitoring product quality, and minimizing waste.
Complete daily prep tasks with accuracy and urgency, ensuring stations are fully stocked, organized, and service-ready at all times.
Reset and maintain a clean, efficient workstation throughout service to support seamless kitchen flow.
Monitor ingredient levels during your shift and proactively communicate low inventory or prep needs to management to avoid service disruption.
Uphold food safety and sanitation standards in all aspects of preparation, storage, and handling.
Execute opening and closing procedures for both front and back of house ensuring the café is fully prepared for service and properly reset at the end of each day.
Maintain clean, fully stocked, and well-organized stations at all times to support efficiency and a seamless guest experience.
Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices, maintain accurate prep pars, and actively minimize waste through product management.
Uphold strict cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the shift, ensuring all work areas, equipment, and storage spaces meet health department regulations and company expectations.
Safely operate and maintain equipment in accordance with company SOPs, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
Maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene, and adherence to dress code standards reflective of our brand.
Collaborate closely with front- and back-of-house team members to ensure smooth café flow, especially during peak service periods.
Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively to support efficiency, accuracy, and team morale.
Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability in completing assigned responsibilities and upholding operational excellence.