Café Lead (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

F+FEC is seeking a full-time Café Lead for the on-site Colorful Plate Café. The Café Lead supports daily café operations and ensures exceptional guest experiences. This role serves as the operational lead during assigned shifts and is responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, service, and team performance while supporting a positive and collaborative workplace culture aligned with the standards of Colorful Plate Café.

Essential Responsibilities

Shift Operations & Leadership

• Provide strong leadership and accountability as operational lead during assigned shifts

• Open and close the café following established procedures

• Oversee daily café operations through assigning tasks, managing workflow, and supporting appropriate staffing levels

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards

• Manage point-of-sale transactions, cash handling, and shift reporting

Team Support & Development

• Provide coaching, training, and day-to-day support to team members

• Model strong customer service, teamwork, and accountability

• Clearly communicate daily priorities and operational updates

Guest Experience

• Ensure every guest receives prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service

• Educate guests on seasonal menus, spotlight produce, smoothies, and local beverage offerings

• Deliver excellent customer service and address guest concerns professionally and efficiently

• Maintain clean and organized dining and service areas

Product & Quality Control

• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, freshness, and portions

• Support inventory counts, low-stock tracking, and waste reduction

• Support use of locally sourced and garden-grown ingredients

Qualifications & Experience

• 1–2 years of food service or hospitality experience required

• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Weekends are required

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 06/15/2026:

• 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 (includes discount in our gift shop and at Colorful Plate Café)

• Discounted gym membership at a local fitness facility.

• 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.