Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Barista
💰 $15 - $22 per hour, plus tips
🎯 Role Definition
As a Juice Barista, you are the heart and soul of our establishment and a passionate ambassador for a healthy lifestyle. You are the first point of contact for our guests, responsible for creating a welcoming, positive, and energetic atmosphere. This role goes beyond just making drinks; it involves crafting delicious, nutrient-packed creations, educating customers on the benefits of our ingredients, and ensuring every guest leaves feeling better than when they arrived. You will be a key player in a dynamic team, driving a culture of wellness and delivering an exceptional experience, one vibrant smoothie at a time.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Food Service Worker
- Coffee Barista
- Fast Food Crew Member
- Retail Associate
Advancement To:
- Shift Lead / Key Holder
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager
- Regional Trainer
Lateral Moves:
- Nutrition Coach Assistant
- Catering Staff
- Specialty Food Prep Cook
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Expertly craft a wide variety of fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and wellness shots according to proprietary recipes and strict quality standards.
- Provide an exceptional and engaging customer experience by warmly greeting guests, taking orders accurately, and answering questions about menu items and nutritional benefits.
- Operate commercial-grade juicers, high-speed blenders, and other kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, following all operational guidelines.
- Manage point-of-sale (POS) transactions with precision, including handling cash, credit card payments, and processing loyalty program rewards.
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all ingredients, including their flavor profiles, nutritional values, and potential allergens, to guide customers in their selections.
- Skillfully customize orders to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergies, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction.
- Uphold an impeccable standard of cleanliness and organization in all customer-facing areas, including the counter, service station, and seating areas.
- Actively engage in upselling and cross-selling by suggesting beneficial add-ins, protein boosters, and complementary food items to enhance the customer's order and drive sales.
- Prepare and portion fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for daily service, ensuring optimal freshness and minimizing waste through careful prep management.
- Consistently follow all local health department food safety and sanitation protocols, including proper handwashing, temperature checks, and cross-contamination prevention.
- Manage the flow of orders efficiently during peak hours, multitasking effectively to ensure timely service without compromising the quality or presentation of the product.
- Create visually appealing products through careful pouring, layering, and garnishing, enhancing the overall guest experience and creating "Instagrammable" moments.
- Resolve customer concerns and complaints with a positive and solution-oriented attitude, escalating to a manager only when necessary.
- Educate guests on the benefits of different juice cleanses and wellness programs offered, providing guidance based on their health goals.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with daily and weekly inventory counts, tracking stock levels of produce, dry goods, and paper products to inform purchasing decisions.
- Properly receive and store deliveries, meticulously rotating stock using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method to guarantee ingredient freshness and reduce spoilage.
- Perform thorough opening and closing duties, which includes setting up all stations, restocking supplies for the next shift, and completing detailed end-of-day cleaning checklists.
- Maintain the cleanliness and peak functionality of all equipment by performing routine deep cleaning and descaling, and promptly reporting any malfunctions to management.
- Participate actively in team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on new recipes, seasonal promotions, and evolving company policies.
- Foster a positive and collaborative team environment by willingly assisting coworkers during busy periods, communicating clearly, and maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Diligently label, date, and store all prepped ingredients and grab-and-go items in strict compliance with health department regulations.
- Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and brand standards, acting as a proud ambassador for our health-focused mission and values.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Proficiency with modern Point-of-Sale (POS) systems (e.g., Square, Toast, Clover).
- Experience operating commercial blenders (e.g., Vitamix, Blendtec) and juicers.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification is a significant plus).
- Basic knife skills for efficiently and safely prepping a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Understanding of inventory management principles, including stock rotation (FIFO).
- Accurate cash handling and payment processing abilities.
- Basic nutritional knowledge regarding vitamins, minerals, and superfoods.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills with a naturally friendly, energetic, and outgoing personality.
- Strong verbal communication and active listening abilities to understand customer needs and build rapport.
- Ability to multitask and maintain composure and efficiency in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to product quality and consistency.
- A positive, can-do attitude and a genuine team-player mentality.
- Proactive problem-solving skills to handle customer issues and operational challenges effectively.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks during busy and slow periods.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Certificate in Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or Hospitality Management.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Hospitality
- Nutrition
- Culinary Arts
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 0-2 years of experience in a food service, retail, or direct customer-facing role.
Preferred:
- 1+ years of direct experience as a barista (coffee or juice), smoothie maker, or in a similar quick-service restaurant (QSR) environment.
- A demonstrated personal passion for health, fitness, and wellness.