Coffee & Espresso Lead (Lead Barista)

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe in Ankeny, IA is opening and will operate with 8:00 AM–6:00 PM hours from Friday through Monday, with opening shifts from 7:00 AM and closing shifts 11:00 AM–7:00 PM. Training begins pre-opening with part-time hours, then 20–40 hours weekly; weekend availability is required to meet peak play and cafe hours.

Pay ranges from $16.00 to $19.00+ per hour plus pooled tips. Applicants must be 16+ with consent for 16–17, pass background checks, hold ServSafe/CPR certifications,

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16; 16–17 require parental consent for alcohol service.
• Pass comprehensive federal and state background checks prior to hire.
• Food Handler / ServSafe certificate and CPR/First Aid certification (or willing to obtain).
• Minimum 1+ year barista or fast-paced customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Dial in espresso, steam milk to texture, and craft signature drinks.
• Maintain speed and high-touch service during morning rushes.
• Heat and serve quick bites; manage pastry displays using FIFO.
• Lead shift, assist training, supervise inventory, and check IDs for 21+.

Skills

Espresso skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Food Handler / ServSafe

CPR / First Aid

Background check

Job description

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Prior to our grand opening, employment begins with part-time/reduced hours for training, space setup, drink recipe calibration, warming standard operating procedures, and workflow practice.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (20–40 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (weekend morning/afternoon shifts during peak play and cafe hours).
• Shift Examples (Subject to Change):
• Operational Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday through Monday; more open days will be added)
• Opening Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Closing Shift: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Shorter shifts will be available and assigned as needed.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $16.00 – $19.00+ per hour (starting rate determined by skill level and relevant experience) + pooled tips.

Ideal Candidate

You are a coffee lover who takes pride in great espresso extraction, beautiful milk texture, and rapid service during morning rushes. You lead by example with an upbeat, approachable attitude, keep a clean and organized counter, communicate clearly with your team, and stay calm under pressure. You enjoy mentoring others and are always ready to jump in across the cafe or play floor to keep operations running seamlessly.

Mandatory Prerequisites & Background Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age. (Applicants aged 16–17 must have signed parental/guardian consent on file to serve canned alcoholic beverages per Iowa law).
• Mandatory Background Check: Because we operate a child-focused family facility with a liquor license, passing comprehensive federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certifications: Food Handler / ServSafe Food Prep certificate and CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Experience: Minimum 1+ years of previous barista or fast-paced customer service experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Espresso Craft & Beverage Quality

• Calibrate grinders daily, dial in espresso, steam milk to proper texture/temperature, and prepare signature coffee drinks, teas, and specialty beverages to exact recipes.
• Maintain speed, drink consistency, and high-touch service during peak morning rushes.

2. Cafe Quick Bites & Display Merchandising

• Heat, prepare, and serve quick bites and snacks adhering to food safety standards and proper holding temperatures.
• Keep pastry cases, grab-and-go coolers, snack shelves, and retail displays fully stocked, organized, and rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out).

3. Shift Leadership, Alcohol Service & Cross-Training

• Guide baristas on shift, lead opening and closing checklists, and assist the Cafe Manager with barista training and daily inventory counts.
• Check IDs accurately and responsibly serve canned beer, wine, and seltzers to guests 21+.
• Cross-train on front desk check-in, waiver verification, and light play floor support to provide seamless backup during busy moments.

4. Equipment Care & Sanitation

• Perform daily cleaning and routine maintenance on commercial espresso machines, grinders, warming equipment, and blenders.
• Maintain a spotlessly sanitized service counter, dish station, and cafe seating area.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 40 lbs (milk crates, syrup boxes, ice, deliveries).
• Bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive hand/wrist motions required for espresso preparation, food handling, and cleaning.