Assistant Café Manager (Full Time)
Organization Overview
Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F+FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agricultural literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F+FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.
Position Overview
The Assistant Café Manager supports the day-to-day operations of the Colorful Plate Café at Food + Farm Exploration Center. This hands-on role works closely with the Café Manager to ensure smooth service, high food and beverage quality, and a welcoming environment for guests and team members alike. The Assistant Café Manager helps supervise staff, uphold food safety and alcohol service standards, manage inventory, and support menu development. In addition to operational responsibilities, this role contributes to the café’s marketing efforts through content creation and social media engagement. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, service-oriented individual to grow their leadership skills in a mission-driven, community-focused setting.
Essential Responsibilities
Support the Café Manager in day-to-day operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service and a positive guest experience.
Assist in training, guiding, and supervising café staff to maintain performance standards and foster a collaborative team environment.
Monitor the functionality and cleanliness of kitchen equipment and promptly report maintenance needs to the Café Manager.
Assist in enforcing health, safety, and sanitation regulations to ensure compliance with food handling, alcohol service, and workplace safety standards.
Support adherence to responsible alcohol service practices and local/state regulations.
Coordinate with kitchen and front-of-house staff to maintain a smooth flow of orders and resolve service delays or operational issues.
Monitor inventory levels to ensure freshness, prevent stock shortages, and minimize waste; notify the Café Manager when restocking or changes are needed.
Evaluate ingredient and beverage product quality, conduct product tastings, and bring recommendations for menu changes to the Café Manager.
Assist in menu updates by providing input on customer preferences, seasonal availability, and cost considerations.
Ensure adherence to standardized recipes, portion sizes, and preparation techniques to maintain consistent food and beverage quality and presentation.
Ensure food and beverage preparation and service align with established quality standards and guest expectations.
Work with the Café Manager and Marketing team to develop and implement engaging promotions, specials, and seasonal offerings.
Manage the café’s social media presence by creating content, writing engaging captions, designing graphics and signage, maintaining a content calendar, and using analytics (via Meta Business Suite) to inform strategy.
Ensure all social media content and promotional ideas are reviewed and approved by the Café Manager prior to posting or launch.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a restaurant or café setting.
Demonstrated ability to support team development, uphold food quality standards, and assist in operational decision-making.
Knowledge of food safety regulations; must possess or be willing to acquire a food safety license.
Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid bartending certification in accordance with local alcohol service regulations.
Experience using POS systems and coordinating order flow in fast-paced service environments.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse staff, leadership, and customers.
Experience in creating social media content, writing captions, and designing simple promotional materials.
Ability to think creatively and use analytics to engage social media audiences.
A flexible schedule and availability on weekends.
Physical Demands
Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 50lbs.
Instructions for Applicants
Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document, to hello@fftf.us by 08/29/2025:
A cover letter describing your qualifications, including your interest in the Food + Farm Exploration Center.
A current resume.
Three professional references with names and relationship (references will not be contacted until candidate has been notified).
Food + Farm Exploration Center Commitments
The hourly wage for this specialist position starts at $18 per hour.
Paid time off (PTO)
Eight paid holidays
Competitive medical and supplemental benefits are available after 60 days of employment
A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment
Complimentary employee membership and discounts
Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen, and reference checks
All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence
Food + Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.
Food + Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at Food + Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.
