Purrista @ Constellation Cat Cafe

This is an in-person role located at 3320 East Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing, MI.

The Purrista position requires excellent communication skills and the determination to practice and master all drink recipes and techniques. The ideal candidate is a customer service rockstar, is comfortable working with diverse populations, and enthusiastically embraces Constellation Cat Cafe’s mission to find homes for rescue cats. 

The primary responsibilities of purristas are providing excellent service to visitors, preparing specialty drinks to a high standard of flavor and presentation, operating the Square POS, and booking cat room appointments through Acuity.

Purristas also process cat adoptions, which require sound judgement and difficult conversations. The ideal candidate will be welcoming, friendly, and provide a positive experience for all cat cafe visitors. Constellation team members are expected to maintain professional demeanor and positive attitude.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cafe Responsibilities:

Explain menu, make suggestions and answer any inquiries.
Describe current promotions and new products.
Take customer orders accurately.
Prepare coffee, tea, lattes, milkshakes and other specialty drinks according to established recipes.
Take extra care to meet agreed-upon presentation standards.
Serve prepared food items such as muffins and cookies.
Comply with health, safety and hygiene guidelines and regulations.
Maintain clean and hygienic work area.
Dismantle and clean machinery as needed.
Display merchandise in an attractive and functional manner.
Monitor and track inventory.

Adoptions Responsibilities:

Learn about cat behavior, common challenges, and ways to deal with challenges.

Impart accurate information regarding our cats to potential adopters.

Discuss compatibility with family/home/other animals.

Educate adopters about proper pet care, needed supplies, and wellness protocols.

Explain terms of adoption contract.

Collect adoption fee via ShelterLuv, cash, or check made out to rescue partner.

Process and finalize adoptions, including updating animal database records, photographing adoptions.

General Responsibilities:

Complete opening & closing checklists.

Welcome visitors & explain how the cat cafe functions.

Maintain cleanliness of cafe and gift shop throughout the day.

Book appointments via Acuity.

Explain & enforce cat room rules.

Upsell merchandise.

Collect payment via Square POS.

Answer questions/respond to inquiries via text, phone call, social media, and email.

Provide information on policies, mission, programs, and events to the public.

Complete other miscellaneous duties as requested by supervisors.

Required Qualifications

Customer Service: Provide a positive experience for visitors, staff, and employees through a positive, outgoing, and professional attitude at all times. At least 1 year of experience working in customer service is required.

Grace under pressure: Work in a fast-paced environment without getting overwhelmed, displaying stress or becoming frustrated with cats, customers, or coworkers.

Attention to Detail: Be detail-oriented and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability: Be reliable, responsible, and fulfilling obligations.

Adaptability: Adapt to change in the workplace. Prioritize and multitask based on changing circumstances.

Organization: Maintain organized systems and follow a systematic method of performing a task.

Communication: Communicate and listen with tact and empathy. Comfortable having difficult conversations with strangers.

Integrity: Be honest and ethical.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. All employees must be 18+ years old.

Desired Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be given priority consideration:

• Working as a barista.
• Handling cash in a fast paced environment.

Schedule

15-25 hours per week.

Compensation

Starting wage is $11.50/hour. 

$0.50/hour raise after satisfactory completion of ShelterLuv & adoptions training (typically 2-4 weeks after start date). 

$0.50/hour raise after demonstrating consistent basic (heart, rosetta or tulip) latte art (effective as soon as skill is demonstrated).

$0.50/hour raise after mastery of advanced latte art of purrista’s choosing (effective as soon as skill is demonstrated).

Performance-based raises available every 6 months.

Multiple pathways for advancement and promotions based on skills and interests.

We like you for you

Constellation Cat Cafe is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment that reflects our diverse community. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ applicants are encouraged to apply. CCC commits to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

How to apply

Apply here. You will need an updated resume and contact information for at least 2 professional references to complete the application. We will review applications as they come in. We will not contact you unless you are selected to move forward.