Lead Barista

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pooled tips

Job summary

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe in Ankeny, IA seeks energetic cafe team members to deliver exceptional espresso, quality beverages, and rapid service during busy mornings.

You will mentor teammates, maintain a clean counter, and assist across cafe and play-floor operations to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction. Weekend availability is required, with onboarding training and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ years of barista or fast-paced customer service experience.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification and CPR/First Aid are required or willing to obtain upon hire.
• Must be 16+ with guardian consent to serve alcohol per Iowa law where applicable.
• Subject to federal and state background checks prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Espresso craft: calibrate grinders, dial in espresso, steam milk, and prepare signature drinks to recipe standards.
• Cafe merchandising: heat/serve quick bites and maintain pastry cases and retail displays.
• Shift leadership: open/close checklists, train staff, and assist inventory counts; responsibly serve alcohol to 21+.
• Equipment care: daily cleaning and maintenance of espresso machines and related gear.

Skills

Espresso

Milk texture

Fast service

Mentoring

Clear communication

Calm under pressure

Education

ServSafe Food Handler

CPR/First Aid Certification

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.