Retail Specialist & Barista

About the role

KC Pet Project is hiring a part-time (25-28 hrs/week) Retail Support & Barista at our main shelter location in Swope Park. This role is perfect for a self-starter who enjoys a fast-paced environment and can pivot seamlessly between retail customer service and dishing out espresso to our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Greet fellow staff members, volunteers, community members, customers (and their pets!) promptly and kindly.
• Take coffee orders and process payments efficiently and with accuracy.
• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, and other beverages to standard.
• Open or close the Retail or Coffee shop according to established procedures.
• Keep the workspace, guest area, and equipment clean and organized throughout the shift.
• Restock inventory including cups, syrups, milks, bakery and lunch items, as needed.
• Monitor and document low inventory levels and communicate restocking needs.
• Follow all food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness standards.
• Confidently upsell products and suggest add-ons to make sure every new pet parent leaves with the items they need for a successful adoption.
• Handle occasional troubleshooting (equipment or customer concerns) calmly and with confidence.
• Represent the mission and values of the shelter through every interaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma and at least 6 months prior customer service experience is required.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable working alone and managing time and tasks independently.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to obtain a Kansas City, Missouri Food Handlers card within the first 30 days of employment.
• Emotional Resilience: Ability to navigate the unique emotional landscape of animal welfare.
• A history of reliability and positive attendance record, working a shift-coverage position.