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Job Description
Job Id:
937
# of Openings:
1
What You Bring to the Team
Working Conditions:
All functions will be performed at the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., sustain long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching and animal handling and restraint for various activity levels of animals in an animal shelter-type setting. Must be able to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare
Qualifications
Application Process
Qualified Applicants, please submit the following via the Careers section of our website at KCPetProject.org:
Include a resume that includes past employers, dates, and professional accomplishments.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions or qualifications associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technological breakdowns in departments.
Updated March 2026
Title: Retail Support & Barista
Department: Retail/Coffee Shop
Reports to: Retail Development Manager
Category: Part-Time, non-exempt, 25-28 hours per week
Compensation: $17/hour
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 8am-4pm; Friday 12-4pm
About KC Pet Project
KC Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates Kansas City, Missouri’s municipal shelter in Swope Park, maintains a satellite location in Zona Rosa, and partners with 15 Petco stores across the KC Metro, serving over 16,000 pets annually. We continue to build on our national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare with our progressive, lifesaving programs and support services. We have sustained a lifesaving rate above 90% for more than a decade, and we are passionate about creating a caring, safe, and humane community for the people and pets of Kansas City and the surrounding region.
KC Pet Project is hiring a part-time (25-28 hrs/week) Retail Support & Barista at our main shelter location in Swope Park.
We are seeking a high-energy, versatile professional to support our in-shelter retail store and The Roasterie Cafe. This role is perfect for a self-starter who enjoys a fast-paced environment and can pivot seamlessly between retail customer service and dishing out espresso to our staff, volunteers, and visitors. You will be a key partner in the adoption journey, ensuring every visitor feels welcome, and every new pet parent is equipped for success.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Department: Retail/Coffee Shop
Reports to: Retail Development Manager
Category: Part-Time, non-exempt, 25-28 hours per week
Compensation: $17/hour
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 8am-4pm; Friday 12-4pm
About KC Pet Project
KC Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates Kansas City, Missouri’s municipal shelter in Swope Park, maintains a satellite location in Zona Rosa, and partners with 15 Petco stores across the KC Metro, serving over 16,000 pets annually. We continue to build on our national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare with our progressive, lifesaving programs and support services. We have sustained a lifesaving rate above 90% for more than a decade, and we are passionate about creating a caring, safe, and humane community for the people and pets of Kansas City and the surrounding region.
KC Pet Project is hiring a part-time (25-28 hrs/week) Retail Support & Barista at our main shelter location in Swope Park.
We are seeking a high-energy, versatile professional to support our in-shelter retail store and The Roasterie Cafe. This role is perfect for a self-starter who enjoys a fast-paced environment and can pivot seamlessly between retail customer service and dishing out espresso to our staff, volunteers, and visitors. You will be a key partner in the adoption journey, ensuring every visitor feels welcome, and every new pet parent is equipped for success.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Greet fellow staff members, volunteers, community members, customers (and their pets!) promptly and kindly.
- Take coffee orders and process payments efficiently and with accuracy.
- Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, and other beverages to standard.
- Open or close the Retail or Coffee shop according to established procedures.
- Keep the workspace, guest area, and equipment clean and organized throughout the shift.
- Restock inventory including cups, syrups, milks, bakery and lunch items, as needed.
- Monitor and document low inventory levels and communicate restocking needs.
- Follow all food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness standards.
- Confidently upsell products and suggest add-ons to make sure every new pet parent leaves with the items they need for a successful adoption.
- Handle occasional troubleshooting (equipment or customer concerns) calmly and with confidence.
- Represent the mission and values of the shelter through every interaction.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You Bring to the Team
- A "Helpful First" Mindset: A naturally warm and friendly demeanor, even when the environment is fast-paced or busy.
- Independence & Initiative: The ability to work independently and see what needs to be done without constant supervision.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written skills to engage effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Adaptability: Readiness to work a schedule that includes one weekend day (Sunday), holidays, varying shifts and occasional on-site events.
Working Conditions:
All functions will be performed at the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., sustain long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching and animal handling and restraint for various activity levels of animals in an animal shelter-type setting. Must be able to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare
Qualifications
- Experience: High School Diploma and at least 6 months prior customer service experience is required.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Comfortable working alone and managing time and tasks independently.
- Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
- Certifications: Ability to obtain a Kansas City, Missouri Food Handlers card within the first 30 days of employment.
- Emotional Resilience: Ability to navigate the unique emotional landscape of animal welfare.
- Attendance: A history of reliability and positive attendance record, working a shift-coverage position.
Application Process
Qualified Applicants, please submit the following via the Careers section of our website at KCPetProject.org:
Include a resume that includes past employers, dates, and professional accomplishments.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions or qualifications associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technological breakdowns in departments.
Updated March 2026
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