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Current Openings
Purrista/Cat Staff (Part Time)
This is an in-person role located at 1041 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48906.
This employee will work some shifts as a barista (or, as we say around the cat cafe, a purrista) as well as some shifts opening the cat room.
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.
The primary responsibilities of cat staff are thoroughly cleaning the cat room, providing excellent care for our cats, and clearly communication with coworkers and rescue partners about the health and behavior of the cats. Cat staff must be exceptional patient and attentive to detail.
Cat staff also work closely with volunteers. This involves making volunteers feel welcome, answering questions, assigning tasks, training new or returning volunteers, gently correcting volunteers who need guidance, and expressing gratitude on behalf of Constellation Cat Cafe.
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.
Schedule
15-25 hours per week. Night and Weekend availability required. Position is 100% in person.
Compensation
Starting wage is $14.25 per hour.
$0.25 per hour raise after satisfactory completion of ShelterLuv & adoptions training (typically 4-6weeks after start date).
$0.25 per hour raise after demonstrating consistent basic cat latte art (effective within 2 weeks of skill demonstration).
$0.25 per hour raise after mastery of advanced latte art of purrista’s choosing (effective within 2 weeks of skill demonstration).
Performance-based raises available every 6 months.
Multiple pathways for advancement and promotions based on skills and interests.
Responsibilities
Cafe
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 bagels.
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.
Participate in monthly deep cleans of the cafe.
Adoptions
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, link, or cash.
Process and finalize adoptions, including updating animal database records, photographing adoptions.
Cat Room Responsibilities:
Clean and sanitize cat room per MDARD shelter guidelines.
Scoop and/or deep clean litter boxes.
Perform and document wellness checks.
Safely and gently interact with cats who are fearful, stressed, or sick.
Put reluctant cats into cat carriers.
Accurately report health concerns or behavioral observations according to established protocols.
Apply topical medications to cats as directed.
Launder bedding/blankets
Provide food and water.
Lead or train volunteers.
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.
Shop for the cafe/cat room at stores including Meijer, GFS, and Preuss Pets.
Running birthday parties after an initial training.
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 ol
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.
Shelter work or animal care outside of a home setting
Work Environment:
Employee is exposed to a reasonable noise level
Weather conditions may vary
Employee is exposed to cleaning products
Employee will handle live cats
Employee is expected to be able to lift at least 25 pounds
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.