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The Café Lead Server is responsible for assisting with the overall operation of the Café department with a focus on customer service, food and tea prep, cash handling and maintaining the appearance of the Umami Café. The Umami Café serves Japanese green tea, light fare, and sweets. The Café Lead Server reports to the Café Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. This position works from the primary Garden campus, located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.
Primary Duties
Work in and around the Umami Café regularly, developing knowledge of and ability to perform all Café functions, ensuring functional continuity and being a role model for excellent work ethic, communication, and outstanding customer service
Under the supervision of Café managers, support daily employee rotation schedule, opening and closing tasks including housekeeping, and maintaining daily stock of food, beverages, and supplies, communicating to Café leadership all issues and problems in a timely manner
Follow food and personal health safety standards outlined by Oregon Health Authority throughout dining area and workstations.
Organize and maintain a clean and safe Café stockroom and storage area
Assist with peer training on all Café functions, including customer service, food and tea prep, dishwashing, POS procedures, and cash handling
Resolve guest concerns, keeping Café managers apprised of all issues, including authorizing discounts, voids, and troubleshooting POS issues
Assist with opening/closing the Umami Café, including preparing cash drawer, following and leading on cash handling procedures, verifying guest check receipts, and communicating discrepancies with Finance department and Café managers
Assist with receiving vendor deliveries and verifying for discrepancies
Ensure that all drink and food preparation procedures are followed, maintaining the highest quality and safety
Maintain knowledge of Japanese green tea and Omotenashi (Japanese Customer Service)
Work closely with Cafe leadership to maintain training resources such as handbooks, binders, signage, and Teams file directories
Responsible for acting as a role model for the Garden’s service standards and practices, including excellent work ethic, outstanding customer service, and presentation standards
Be fully knowledgeable of Oregon Food and Health Association protocols as it applies to the Umami Café and serve as person-in-charge for a health inspection in the absence of the Café managers
Attend regular department meetings and other Garden meetings, trainings, and perform assigned administrative tasks as required
Guide guests through menu offerings and procedures
Follow point-of-sale procedures and policies
Follow standard cash handling and credit card transaction policies and procedures
Other duties as assigned
Other Responsibilities
Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
Check and respond to emails frequently, and be aware of the contents of the Organization Web and bulletin boards
Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
Adhere to Garden Dress Code and wear Garden uniform; black pants, black shirt, black shoes, and kimono-inspired jacket (jacket provided and laundered by the garden)
Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.
Minimum two years restaurant experience, with Lead Server or Supervisor experience a plus
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
Proven record of excellent customer service and cash handling with attention to detail
Proven record of exceptional critical thinking skills and having problem-solving skills in a fast-paced Cafe environment
Strong knowledge of Oregon Food Health Safety standards
Must maintain a current Oregon Food Handler’s Card
Proficient on a computer; familiar with software programs such as reservation software, point-of sale systems, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
Special Requirements
Flexible work schedule and able to accommodate changing Garden needs, including working weekends, evenings, and occasional overtime
Experience having worked in both Front-of-house and Back-of-house food service positions a plus
Knowledge of Japanese tea and/or familiarity with Omotenashi, preferred
Must be comfortable lifting up to 40lbs
Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about the Café and Garden for several hours
Compensation & Schedule
Wage: $18.55/hour, plus tips. Tips are pooled daily and distributed bi-weekly, as determined by hours worked. The Café Lead Server is required to participate in weekly meetings, on-going training, and administrative tasks lasting between 30 minutes to 3 hours. While off the floor, servers are required to clock out of the tip pool.
This is a full-time, hourly position with approximately 32 - 38 hours per week. Regular shifts may vary depending on Garden events but are typically 6 - 8 hours (plus ½ hour lunch) between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm.
Umami Café hours of operation are typically 9:00am – 5:30pm November 1 to February 28 and 9:00am - 7:00pm March 1 to October 31. Portland Japanese Garden is closed on Tuesdays.
Benefits
-health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
-401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
-flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
-paid time off:
vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year to start, with regular increases
wellness: 10 days per calendar year
holidays: 10 holidays per year
-free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Transportation
The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:
Parking: Staff may park in the numbered spaces throughout Washington Park, which require payment. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75 during the high season (March – September) and $50 during the low season (October – February)
Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule
Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden
Union Information
This position is part of an on-going bargaining unit set to establish a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and as such the incumbent will be bound by the language of said agreement and party to all benefits, dues and requirements associated with being a member of a union and the (CBA).
Applications
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related reference. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
All submitted applications will be held in confidence.
We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).