Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Juice Presser
💰 $15 - $22 per hour
🎯 Role Definition
The Juice Presser is a vital artisan at the heart of our health and wellness-focused operations. More than just an operator, this individual is the custodian of our brand's promise of quality, freshness, and nutritional integrity. The role involves transforming raw, high-quality produce into delicious and nutrient-dense juices, smoothies, and other beverages. This position demands a meticulous approach to food preparation, adherence to exacting recipes, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. A successful Juice Presser combines the efficiency of a production team member with the passion of a wellness advocate, ensuring every bottle or cup served is a perfect representation of our brand's values.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Food Service Worker
- Kitchen Hand / Porter
- Barista Trainee
Advancement To:
- Lead Juice Presser / Shift Supervisor
- Kitchen Manager
- Assistant Store Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Barista
- Prep Cook
- Smoothie Maker
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Skillfully operate commercial-grade juicing equipment, including cold-press and centrifugal juicers, ensuring optimal yield and quality from all produce.
- Meticulously wash, chop, peel, and prepare a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in accordance with established food safety standards and recipes.
- Execute proprietary juice and smoothie recipes with precision and consistency, carefully measuring ingredients to maintain flavor profiles and nutritional standards.
- Manage the bottling, capping, and labeling process for all prepared juices, ensuring accurate product information and a professional, appealing presentation.
- Conduct regular quality control checks on all raw ingredients and finished products to ensure they meet our stringent standards for freshness, taste, and appearance.
- Maintain a deep understanding of our full menu, including the health benefits of various ingredients, to accurately produce all items and answer team member inquiries.
- Execute production schedules efficiently to meet daily pars and ensure a continuous supply of fresh juice for our retail and customer-facing operations.
- Monitor the functionality of all juicing and kitchen equipment, performing routine cleaning and reporting any malfunctions or maintenance needs to management immediately.
- Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, including HACCP and local health department regulations, to maintain a pristine and safe work environment.
- Manage the rotation of produce and other ingredients using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method to minimize waste and maximize freshness.
- Systematically break down, clean, and sanitize all machinery, utensils, and work surfaces at the end of each shift, following detailed procedural checklists.
- Assist in receiving and properly storing deliveries of produce, dry goods, and other supplies, verifying orders for accuracy and quality.
Secondary Functions
- Engage with customers in a friendly and professional manner, taking orders, and providing recommendations based on their preferences and wellness goals.
- Operate the Point-of-Sale (POS) system with accuracy, processing cash, credit, and loyalty program transactions efficiently.
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment by communicating effectively with colleagues and management.
- Proactively monitor inventory levels of produce, bottles, labels, and other supplies, communicating restocking needs to the shift supervisor or manager.
- Participate in opening and closing procedures for the kitchen and front-of-house areas, ensuring the space is prepared for service or secured for the night.
- Support waste reduction initiatives by properly managing compost, recycling, and trash disposal.
- Assist in the preparation of other menu items, such as acai bowls, wellness shots, and healthy snacks, as directed by management.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the entire store, including customer seating areas, restrooms, and back-of-house storage.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Commercial Juicer Operation: Proven ability to operate and maintain various types of juicers (e.g., cold-press, centrifugal).
- Food Safety & Handling: Knowledge of proper food handling procedures, temperature controls, and sanitation practices, often demonstrated by a Food Handler Certification (e.g., ServSafe).
- Knife Skills: Competency in safely and efficiently chopping, dicing, and preparing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Recipe Adherence: The ability to follow detailed recipes and measurement instructions with extreme precision to ensure product consistency.
- POS System Operation: Experience with point-of-sale software for order taking and payment processing.
- Inventory Management: Basic understanding of stock rotation (FIFO) and inventory tracking to minimize waste.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature is essential for ensuring recipe accuracy, product quality, and a sanitary workspace.
- Time Management & Pace: The ability to work efficiently and with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality.
- Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic and commitment to being a dependable member of the team.
- Communication Skills: The capacity to communicate clearly and respectfully with team members, management, and customers.
- Physical Stamina: The role requires the ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy boxes of produce (up to 50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
- Cleanliness & Organization: A personal commitment to maintaining an exceptionally clean and well-organized work environment.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Food Handler Certification or similar food safety training.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Culinary Arts
- Nutrition or Dietetics
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years in a relevant environment.
Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a high-volume juice bar, cafe, restaurant kitchen, or similar food production setting is highly advantageous. Direct experience with commercial juicing equipment is a significant plus.