Lead Barista (2025 Season)

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Barista for Slow Joe’s will be working in a food truck environment preparing coffee, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. This is a full-time seasonal role from 7am to 4pm. The season will operate from late April to October. In some cases, this position may be able to work at multiple restaurants, or cross-train to work in other NOC departments as well. All cook applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 

THIS POSTING IS FOR THE 2025 SEASON

Responsibilities

• Oversee food handling and food preparation throughout the environment.
• Monitor staff and coordinate break schedules.
• Stock and maintain food stations to ensure hygienic workstations.
• Ensure that all preparation is completed for daily operations.
• Place and receive daily food orders.
• Maintain high food quality standards.
• Ensure guest satisfaction is set to NOC expectations.
• Report guest and staff issues to Slow Joe’s general manager
• Ensuring that ingredients and food preparation are consistent with guest special needs and/or requests 
• Maintaining organization and cleanliness of the work environment
• Supporting teammates and assisting other members of the Food and Beverage team as needed
• Maintaining proper inventory levels

Qualifications

• Previous barista or breakfast restaurant experience
• ServSafe certified preferred
• High level of organizational skills
• Communicates clearly
• Ability to effectively multi-task
• Applicants must function as a team player, 
• Take direction and work independently and must have a thorough understanding of the flow of restaurant operations. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 30lbs
• Comfortable working in a hot back of house kitchen environment
• Must be comfortable standing for extended periods of time
• Must be able to climb up and down stairs
• Must be able to bend, stoop, twist and climb ladders

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted. 

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.