Counter Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of customer service, the role of a Counter Attendant is more important than ever.
With advancements in business, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, organize and enhance the customer’s experience continues to rise.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Counter Attendant?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply interested in the day-to-day responsibilities of a Counter Attendant,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a tailor-made Counter Attendant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive straight in.
Counter Attendant Duties and Responsibilities
Counter Attendants play a crucial role in customer service, catering to customers’ needs and ensuring that they have a satisfactory experience.
They can be found in a variety of establishments such as cafes, snack bars, movie theaters, and more.
Their common duties and responsibilities include:
- Greeting customers as they approach the counter
- Taking and processing orders from customers in a courteous and efficient manner
- Using electronic devices such as cash registers, card machines, and Point of Sale (POS) systems for billing
- Preparing food or drinks as per the order and serving them to the customers
- Ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the counter area
- Assisting with inventory management and restocking of supplies
- Answering customer queries regarding menu items, prices, and ingredients
- Managing customer complaints and concerns promptly and professionally
- Coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operation
- Adhering to all food safety regulations and guidelines.
Counter Attendant Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a friendly and efficient Counter Attendant to provide top-notch customer service.
The Counter Attendant will be responsible for taking customer orders, handling cash transactions, preparing food and beverages, and maintaining cleanliness in the service area.
The ideal candidate is a people person who enjoys interacting with customers and can handle a fast-paced, high-volume work environment.
Responsibilities
- Greet customers and present menu options
- Take customer orders accurately and relay them to kitchen staff
- Handle cash and card transactions, ensuring all prices and quantities are accurate
- Prepare food and beverages as per the establishment’s standards
- Maintain a clean and organized service area
- Assist with inventory control and restocking
- Resolve customer complaints in a professional manner
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Counter Attendant, Cashier, or similar role in a hospitality setting
- Basic math skills for handling cash transactions
- Ability to multitask and handle high-volume operations
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations
- High School diploma or equivalent
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for advancement
Additional Information
- Job Title: Counter Attendant
- Work Environment: Fast-paced, high-volume food service establishment
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Shift Supervisor or Store Manager
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $24,960 minimum to $31,200 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What does a Counter Attendant do?
Counter Attendants primarily work in food and beverage establishments such as cafes, fast food outlets, and concession stands.
They can also be found in dry cleaning stores or rental establishments.
Their main responsibility is to serve the customers, this might involve taking orders, serving food or drinks, and cleaning tables.
In fast food establishments, they often prepare simple dishes, operate the cash register, process payments, and ensure the cleanliness of dining areas.
In establishments like dry cleaning stores or rental shops, Counter Attendants receive items, write orders, provide cost estimates, and accept payment.
They may also answer customer inquiries about services or products offered.
They interact directly with customers, so good customer service skills are essential.
They also need to be able to handle cash transactions accurately and have a good understanding of the products or services their establishment offers.
Counter Attendants play a key role in providing a positive customer experience and ensuring operations run smoothly in customer-oriented businesses.
Counter Attendant Qualifications and Skills
Counter Attendants require a set of interpersonal, customer service, and practical skills to perform their job effectively, including:
- Excellent communication skills to interact with customers, take orders, and address inquiries or complaints.
- Strong customer service skills to provide a pleasant dining or purchasing experience for customers.
- Attention to detail to accurately take and fulfill customer orders, handling cash transactions, and maintaining clean and organized workspaces.
- Ability to work under pressure during busy periods, demonstrating time management skills and multitasking abilities.
- Physical stamina as the role often requires standing for extended periods and some lifting or carrying of supplies and food items.
- Basic math skills for accurately handling cash transactions and giving correct change.
- Teamwork skills to work effectively with other staff members in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of hygiene and food safety regulations to ensure the health and safety of customers.
Counter Attendant Experience Requirements
Counter Attendants typically start their careers with minimal to no experience, often only requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training is usually provided on-the-job, including customer service techniques, food and beverage preparation, cash handling, and cleanliness standards.
Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience have usually worked in entry-level roles in the food service industry, such as a fast food worker or a cashier.
This experience can be gained through part-time work, summer jobs, or internships.
Those with more than 3 years of experience have often worked in roles that require increased responsibility, such as shift leader, supervisor, or team lead.
They have gained experience in managing operations, handling customer complaints, and training new staff.
Candidates with over 5 years of experience in the field may be ready for a managerial role.
They are expected to have extensive knowledge of the food service industry and the ability to manage a team effectively, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and drive customer satisfaction.
Counter Attendant Education and Training Requirements
Counter Attendants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Their education primarily focuses on customer service, cash handling, and basic food safety.
Although not required, having a certification in food handling or safety can be beneficial.
Most of the training is provided on-the-job and includes tasks such as how to operate cash registers, proper food handling techniques, and effective customer service practices.
Experience in the food service or retail industry could be advantageous, but this is not a strict requirement as most employers provide comprehensive training to newly hired counter attendants.
While a degree or further education is not typically required, individuals seeking advancement in the food service industry may benefit from courses in hospitality or restaurant management.
Continual learning about food safety regulations and customer service skills is essential for the role.
Counter Attendant Salary Expectations
A Counter Attendant earns an average wage of $11.63 (USD) per hour.
The actual wage may vary depending on factors such as experience, geographical location, and the specific employer.
Counter Attendant Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Counter Attendant need?
Counter Attendants should possess excellent communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers.
They need to be detail-oriented to take accurate orders and have basic arithmetic skills for handling cash transactions.
Being able to stay calm under pressure during peak hours is also important.
Do Counter Attendants need any specific qualifications?
Counter Attendants typically don’t need any formal qualifications, but a high school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.
On-the-job training is usually provided, where they learn about food safety procedures, menu items, and customer service standards.
What should you look for in a Counter Attendant resume?
A Counter Attendant resume should highlight experience in customer service roles, preferably in foodservice or retail.
They should also have demonstrated ability in handling cash transactions accurately and efficiently.
Evidence of good communication skills and a pleasant demeanor is a plus.
What qualities make a good Counter Attendant?
A good Counter Attendant is friendly, patient, and able to handle customer complaints professionally.
They should be able to multitask, taking orders while maintaining a clean work area.
Good Counter Attendants are also punctual, reliable, and able to work well as part of a team.
Is it challenging to hire Counter Attendants?
Hiring Counter Attendants may be challenging if you’re in a high-turnover industry.
However, by providing a positive work environment, offering competitive wages, and creating opportunities for career advancement, you can attract and retain quality staff.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the vibrant world of a counter attendant.
And guess what?
It’s not just about serving customers.
It’s about bringing joy to people’s day, one customer interaction at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive counter attendant job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take your next step.
But why stop there?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every customer interaction contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s create memorable experiences. Together.
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