Cafe Associate

Virginia Museum of History & Culture; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Job summary

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture invites applications for a part-time Café Associate in the Commonwealth Café. You will assist guests, prepare and serve food/beverages, and deliver best-in-class service while maintaining a clean, safe dining area.

Role requires morning, holiday, weekend availability and physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 30 pounds, and follow safety standards. VMHC emphasizes a welcoming guest experience.

Qualifications

• Dedicated to providing best-in-class customer service.
• Accurate cash handling and basic math accuracy.
• Clear communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide a positive experience throughout their visit.
• Accept and serve food and beverage orders to recipe and customer specifications.
• Ensure clean, safe front-line and back-of-house workspaces.
• Provide accurate daily cash drawer reconciliation.
• Maintain high food-safety standards and cleanliness per regulations.
• Track sell-by, use-by, and expiration dates for stock rotation.
• Operate cafe equipment, POS system, and daily procedures.
• Stay updated on museum events and exhibits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Mathematics

Communication

Problem-solving

Availability mornings/weekends

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Food service experience

Cash handling experience

Job description

Position Description

Updated August 11, 2026

Title: Café Associate

Division: Café & Catering

Reports to: Café & Catering Coordinator

Position Status: Part-time; Non-Exempt

Salary Range/Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

Whether igniting a passion for the study of the past, empowering an interest in civic engagement, or providing an introduction to the Commonwealth, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers meaningful experiences for all. Whatever the role, your work here helps bring Virginia's story-past, present, and future-to life.

If you are curious, creative, and passionate about preserving and sharing Virginia history, your next chapter starts now!

Position Summary

The Café Associate serves as part of the museum's Operations & Finance division, reports to the Café & Catering Coordinator, and is primarily responsible for assisting guests of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's Commonwealth Café. The Café Associate will take, prepare, and serve food and beverages, provide best-in-class customer service while maintaining a clean and safe work environment throughout the Café.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet all customers and provide a positive experience throughout their visit.
• Accept and serve food and beverage orders to recipe and customer specifications.
• Ensure clean, safe front-line and back-of-house workspaces.
• Provide accurate daily cash drawer reconciliation.
• Maintain the highest standards for food safety and cleanliness in accordance with state and local law, including maintaining proper temperature controls for food and beverages and following Virginia ABC regulations.
• Track sell-by, use-by, and expiration dates to stock and rotate items and displays appropriately.
• Follow proper methods for operating café equipment, point of sale system, and daily operating procedures.
• Stay up to date with ongoing museum events and exhibits.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary

• Dedicated to providing best-in-class customer service
• Strong math skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work mornings, holidays, weekends, and occasional evenings
• Physical requirements include standing for long periods of time, and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Education & Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Food service and/or previous cash handling experience
• Customer service experience preferred

Notes & Special Requirements

• Must have reliable transportation.
• Primarily guest-facing teams must be in VMHC uniform while on shift.
• For regular part-time positions only – Delete if not applicable: Leave, wellness and retirement benefits offered in accordance with company policy.

Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the VMHC, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary: $15.00 per hour