Barista - Temporary

Location: Kennewick, WA (Columbia Center) • Classification: Temporary

About the role

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As a Barista, you are an integral member of the team at the heart of our Cafés. You welcome customers in a cheerful and helpful way by saying hello, answering questions and consistently going out of your way to connect readers with the right beverages and café items. Equally, you are an essential part of the café team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Café.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers cheerfully, answer questions, and connect readers with beverages and café items
• Maintain attractive café presentation and ensure efficient café operations
• Unpack and stock deliveries; tidy the bakes case and dining area
• Operate registers quickly and professionally
• Use varied technology including registers, computers, tablets, programs, and other tools comfortably and efficiently
• Develop strong merchandising skills to maintain café presentation and cleanliness
• Develop effective visual merchandising skills for counter and floor retail fixtures
• Run a register competently to serve customers quickly and reliably
• Support receiving, unpacking, and accurate stocking of deliveries
• Prepare food and drinks properly with ease and accuracy using recipe guides, product spec sheets, and other tools
• Maintain café cleanliness through accurate execution of daily and weekly cleaning tasks
• Follow and execute First In First Out (FIFO) practices and date product consistently and correctly
• Support the bookfloor team willingly and effectively when needed
• Understand loss prevention procedures and de-escalation techniques; identify theft and seek support for problematic behaviors
• Work in other stores if able and needed, collaboratively supporting the wider Cluster
• Build café knowledge of products across beverage, bakery, savory options, and gifting; maintain presentation in an interesting and appetizing manner
• Speak about and support key sales objectives such as new LTO items or café promotions, sharing knowledge with customers and colleagues
• Make effective food and beverage customization recommendations on varied items
• Build knowledge and engagement for execution of café retail options
• Understand and use café training tools appropriately
• Apply café safety, hygiene, and sanitation guidelines to maintain all standards correctly and reliably
• Support the success of key products and promotions

Requirements

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts
• Fill scheduling gaps when able; be flexible and responsive to store needs (open early mornings to late evenings daily, including weekends and most holidays)
• Positive, willing approach to work; perform assigned tasks with purpose and energy
• Supportive and considerate of colleagues; go out of your way to help others and show kindness
• Always cheerful with customers; consistently go out of your way to help them
• Show aptitude and willingness to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge
• Enjoy being a barista
• Physical ability for prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking
• Comply with all company policies and procedures

Benefits

Benefits vary based on scheduled hours per week:

• Less than 20 hours/week: Employee Discount, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Sick Pay (1 hour for every 30 hours worked)
• 20–29.99 hours/week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay (24–34 hours annually based on scheduled hours), Paid Time Off (eligible after 90 days: up to 96 hours in first year based on hours paid, up to 144 hours thereafter), 6 Company Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Transit, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 30+ hours/week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay (36–48 hours annually based on scheduled hours), Paid Time Off (eligible after 90 days: up to 96 hours in first year based on hours paid, up to 96 hours thereafter), 6 Company Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

All benefits provided in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefits may vary depending on location/state regulations.

Pay

Hourly rate starting at $17.25, up to $18.75, depending on experience, seniority, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.