Team Member

About us

Third Wheel Coffee was started in 2021 by Tom Emanuel and Vida Sharp, two San Francisco natives with a simple mission: to connect with people over good coffee. What began as a pop-up and catering business in the Lower Haight grew into a four-year coffee residency inside Lucinda's Deli. In April 2026, we opened our first brick-and-mortar at 991 Oak Street. At Third Wheel, we pride ourselves on delivering a consistent experience — in our service, quality, and speed. All three matter equally, and every member of the team is responsible for them.

Position Summary

We're looking for a team member who brings a passion for coffee, community, and collaboration. As a small team, everyone works together to keep things running smoothly. This role goes beyond making coffee — it includes tasks like opening and closing, managing inventory, prepping ingredients, and supporting your teammates. We value flexibility and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Regardless of your past experience, this role will ask you to step outside your comfort zone at times — working in positions that feel challenging until you build the skills to thrive in them.

As we continue to grow, there will be opportunities to take on more responsibility and grow with us. 

Responsibilities

• Greet customers, answer questions, ring up orders, communicate orders.

• Make drinks efficiently and to quality standards.

• Open and close the shop, following provided checklists.

• Wash dishes and maintain a clean, organized workspace throughout the shift.

• Report inventory and prepare ingredients (chai, cold brew, syrups, etc.).

• Organize incoming deliveries (coffee, milk, paper goods, etc.).

• Communicate effectively with team members to keep operations running smoothly.

• Provide and respond to feedback in a constructive way.

Skills

• Barista skills preferred (experience in specialty coffee, with ability to do latte art).

• Detail-oriented with strong attention to quality, customer experience, and thorough completion of checklists.

• Strong communication skills with customers and team members.

• Timeliness and time management: able to arrive on time, avoid scheduling conflicts, and prioritize tasks.

• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Multitasking: managing multiple tasks during peak hours.

• Problem-solving skills to handle challenges efficiently.

• Adaptability to changing priorities and growing responsibilities.

Expectations

• Availability for part-time shifts, 3-4 days per week, with potential to grow.

• One-year commitment to the role.

• Learn and follow Third Wheel's systems and workflows, which may differ from other shops you've worked in.

• Long hours on your feet with significant physical labor, adhering to California Labor Law for breaks throughout the shift.

• Ability to commit to shifts several months in advance.

• Flexibility to work opening shifts (starting at 6:00 a.m.) and closing shifts (ending at 4:00 p.m.).

• A desire to build genuine relationships with customers and care about their experience. ● Receptive to feedback with a growth-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work well with others or solo, depending on shift needs.

Compensation

• Starting at $22 per hour, plus tips.

• Pay increases are given based on performance, tenure, and business conditions.

• Free drink per 4 hours worked on shift, plus 25% off drinks and retail when not working.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process typically takes a few weeks. Here's what to expect: 

• Submit your interest and resumé.

• We'll follow up within one week to let you know if we'd like to move forward.

• Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. We'll follow up within one week of your interview.

• Final candidates will be asked to complete a paid trial shift.

• We'll follow up within 2-3 days.