Cafe Assistant / Line Cook - Merrifield Garden Center Cafe

At Merrifield Garden Center, we strive to provide an unparalleled selection of the highest quality plants and gardening products. We are dedicated to continuous education and sharing our gardening guidance with employees and customers alike. Founded in 1971, Merrifield Garden Center is a family run, full-service garden center, nursery, and landscaping company with three locations in Northern Virginia and an extended family of over 600 employees.

We are looking for friendly and reliable people to work at the Merrifield Garden Café at our Gainesville garden center. Our cafe is a popular destination for breakfast and lunch crowds shopping at the garden center or passing by our store.
  

Candidates for this position must be organized and responsible and pay close attention to detail. Although cooking experience is preferred, it is not required for this position; on-the-job training is available.

Some of the primary responsibilities include:

• Greeting customers and answering general questions

• Handling sales transactions at the checkout counter and accurately ensure their fulfillment

• Take payments correctly and issue accurate change

• Cooking, restocking, cleaning, and doing dishes

• Cleaning the sitting area and assisting customers

• Maintaining cleanliness, organization and the proper supplies at the counter and in the kitchen

• Direct customers with questions about other areas of the store to other employees, departments as needed.

• Prepare food items for customers, adhering to food safety guidelines and regulations.

• Follow health and safety regulations for employees working in food preparation and service.

• Maintain cleanliness of food preparation area according to health and safety regulations and guidelines.

Weekend availability will be required for this position.
  

The ideal candidate must possess the following:

• Friendly, respectful, professional attitude

• Kitchen/Cooking experience is a plus but not required

• Ability to learn the Merrifield Garden Center Cafe menu and prepare the various items on it for customers.

• Basic knowledge of food items such as sandwiches, omelets, etc. 

• Understanding of how to use food preparation equipment including stove, oven, dishwasher, etc. 

• Flexibility in regards to hours and shifts.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to stand or be physically active for hours at a time

• Ability to balance a drawer

• Ability to safely lift 25 lbs.

• Proficiency in math and computer skills required to operate the cash register

Benefits (if full time)

• Eligible for health, vision and dental insurance after 90 days of employment.

• Accrue vacation and sick leave.

• 401k plan.

Merrifield Garden Center is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.