STUDENT-Retail Cafe Barista

Ithaca College; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Meal Exchange Passes

Free Shift Drink

Flexible hours and on‑the‑job training

Job summary

Ithaca College is seeking a Retail Café Barista to support beverage preparation, food service, and guest experiences in our campus cafés. This role emphasizes training, quality, and hospitality with no prior experience required.

You will handle Grubhub orders, maintain clean stations, operate the POS, and ensure safe food handling while delivering friendly, attentive service to guests.

Qualifications

• No prior barista or food service experience required — full on‑the‑job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Greet and serve guests with a warm, friendly, and professional demeanor
• Prepare specialty beverages, sandwiches, and light menu items to order, including Grubhub orders
• Maintain knowledge of all menu items, ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens
• Follow all food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures, including HACCP, knife safety, and allergy awareness
• Maintain open communication between kitchen and front‑of‑house for smooth service
• Arrive on time for shifts in the proper uniform
• Keep workstations stocked, clean, and sanitized throughout service
• Take and record food and beverage temperatures at required intervals
• Break down and clean stations at the end of each shift; properly store or dispose of food items
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing café areas, including counters, coolers, tables, chairs, and high‑touch points
• Operate point‑of‑sale (POS) systems and handle transactions accurately
• Assist with dining room setup before, during, and after service
• Support inventory, stocking, and requisition processes as needed
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members and supervisors
• Find coverage for shifts you are unable to work and obtain supervisor approval
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job description

Retail Café Barista

Supports beverage preparation, food service, and guest experience in our retail café locations, with a focus on training, quality, and hospitality. This role involves crafting specialty drinks, assembling menu items, fulfilling Grubhub orders, maintaining clean and organized stations, and providing friendly, attentive service to all guests. Baristas work in a fast‑paced environment where multitasking, clear communication, and a positive attitude are essential. No prior barista or food service experience is required — full on‑the‑job training is provided.

Job Responsibilities

• Greet and serve guests with a warm, friendly, and professional demeanor
• Prepare specialty beverages, sandwiches, and light menu items to order, including Grubhub orders
• Maintain knowledge of all menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens
• Follow all food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures, including HACCP, knife safety, and allergy awareness
• Maintain open communication between kitchen and front‑of‑house for smooth service
• Arrive on time for shifts in the proper uniform
• Keep workstations stocked, clean, and sanitized throughout service
• Take and record food and beverage temperatures at required intervals
• Break down and clean stations at the end of each shift; properly store or dispose of food items
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing café areas, including counters, coolers, tables, chairs, and high‑touch points
• Operate point‑of‑sale (POS) systems and handle transactions accurately
• Assist with dining room setup before, during, and after service
• Support inventory, stocking, and requisition processes as needed
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members and supervisors
• Find coverage for shifts you are unable to work and obtain supervisor approval
• Perform other duties as assigned

Retail Café Baristas work in a food service environment that requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift. Applicants must meet a 2‑hour minimum per shift, with availability for 3 scheduled shifts per week. Schedules are subject to fluctuation based on each café’s operational needs. Work may involve operating café equipment, handling hot beverages, and working around heat, noise, and busy guest traffic. Team members are required to wear the full café uniform, including closed‑toed shoes and a hair covering (hat or hairnet). Retail Café Baristas will be required to attend or complete periodic safety trainings to ensure understanding and compliance with all safety and sanitation policies.

Why Join Us?

• Free Meal Exchange Passes
• Free Shift Drink
• Flexible hours and on‑the‑job training
• Fun, fast‑paced and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to develop customer service and barista skills
• Be part of a supportive, diverse, and student‑centered community

About Us

Ithaca College’s student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real‑world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Job Info

• Job Identification: 3685
• Job Category: Student
• Posting Date: 07/21/2026, 02:20 PM
• Apply Before: 07/21/2027, 07:22 PM
• Job Schedule: Part‑time
• Location: 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, US