Coffee Specialist (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 27,014 - 29,866; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal employment opportunity

Job summary

Sur La Table in Berkeley, CA is seeking a coffee program facilitator to deliver engaging demonstrations and hands-on classes. You will educate guests on brewing methods, bean origins, and equipment while driving in-store engagement and sales.

The role requires passion for coffee, strong communication, and the ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Join a team focused on quality experiences and customer delight.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older at time of employment.
• Passion for coffee and in-depth knowledge of brewing methods and equipment.
• Ability to create engaging, hands-on experiences for customers.
• Strong enthusiasm for coffee and sharing knowledge with others.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Passion for community engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences.
• Lead engaging coffee brewing demonstrations showcasing expertise and edge.
• Educate customers on brewing techniques, origins, and equipment.
• Guide customers in selecting beans by flavor, roast, and origin.
• Recommend appropriate coffee equipment and maintenance practices.
• Promote and sell coffee products, equipment, and accessories.
• Assist store in achieving revenue goals through engagement and education.
• Deliver classes that drive customer engagement and sales, tracked by KPIs.
• Collaborate with store leaders on culinary programming alignment.
• Work with merchandising to highlight key tools and products.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and health codes.
• Maintain a coffee-ready store environment across all brewing methods.
• Maintain inventory levels, minimize shrink, and control costs.
• Ensure store safety and cleanliness, addressing maintenance promptly.
• Adhere to wage/hour laws and accurately record time worked.
• Model Sur La Table policies and SOPs; communicate effectively with team.
• Communicate well with associates and customers; stand for long periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and using ladders when needed.
• Operate a computer, POS, scanners, and mouse; handle schedule flexibly.

Skills

Coffee knowledge

Customer service

Demonstrations

Communication

Problem solving

Community engagement

Microsoft Office

Tools

POS system

Job description

With over 58 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium‑quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind‑the‑scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty.
• Lead engaging and informative coffee brewing demonstrations that showcase our expertise and unique competitive edge.
• Educate customers on a variety of brewing techniques, including pour‑over, French Press, AeroPress, espresso, cold brew, and coffee art.
• Guide customers in selecting coffee beans based on flavor profiles, roast levels, and origin.
• Recommend appropriate coffee equipment and maintenance practices based on customer needs.
• Promote and sell coffee products, equipment, and accessories to customers.
• Assist the store in achieving revenue goals by driving customer engagement and conversion through education.
• Consistently meet or exceed culinary program goals by delivering exceptional classes that drive customer engagement and sales. Performance is measured by key KPIs such as second‑class sign‑ups, retail culinary product sales, and guest feedback through Google reviews.
• Partner with store leaders to ensure alignment between culinary programming and store priorities.
• Collaborate on merchandising strategies that highlight key tools and products featured in classes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations.
• Always maintain a coffee‑ready store environment, ensuring quality and consistency across all in‑store brewing methods.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
• Ensure store safety and cleanliness, addressing any maintenance needs promptly.
• Adhere to applicable wage and hour laws and accurately record time worked according to SLT Policy.
• Model and ensure consistent adherence to all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
• Ability to remain standing for up to 4 hours at a time and move about the store while selling and retrieving merchandise.
• Capable of accurately perceiving flavor variations and performing coffee brewing techniques.
• Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 lbs. and operate ladders.
• Use hands to grind, tamp, steam, pour, froth, and demonstrate coffee brewing techniques.
• Operate a computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners, and mouse.
• Available to work 12–16 hours per week with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Regular and predictable attendance with flexibility to adjust class assignments (3‑4 classes per week).
• Work in a coffee bar area with exposure to hot equipment, steam, varying temperatures, and potential allergens.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older at time of employment.
• Passion for coffee and in‑depth knowledge of brewing methods, coffee origins, and equipment.
• Ability to create engaging, hands‑on experiences for customers.
• Strong enthusiasm for coffee and a genuine eagerness to share knowledge with others.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Passion for community engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail management systems preferred.

Salary: $19.61 – $21.68 an hour.

The CSC family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state, or local laws.