Beverage Associate - Main Event Caterers

Main Event Caterers•Arlington, VA

9d•$20 - $25

About The Position

The Beverage Associate supports Main Event Caterers’ Warehouse Department by preparing, packing, and fulfilling beverage orders for catered events. Under the direction of the Beverage Manager, the Associate prepares beverage components, pulls and packs orders accurately, processes returns, supports inventory accuracy, and keeps beverage storage and work areas clean and organized. This is a hands-on, physically active role. Training on MEC procedures is provided; prior bartending experience is not required. The schedule follows the event calendar and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during peak seasons. Work takes place mainly in beverage preparation, warehouse, and cold-storage areas; work at event venues is rare. Conditions may include cold storage, ice, warm warehouse conditions, wet floors, and cleaning chemicals used according to safety guidelines.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older because the role involves handling and preparing alcoholic beverages.
Dependable attendance and punctuality.
Ability to read and follow written instructions, recipes, pull sheets, and labels.
Basic math skills for measuring and counting.
Strong attention to detail and organized work habits.
Willingness to learn, take direction, and follow established procedures.
Ability to work well as part of a team.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements: repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds; stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, and push or pull carts and dollies; perform repetitive hand motions; and work in varying temperatures, including cold storage.

Nice To Haves

Experience in catering, food or beverage preparation, barback, kitchen, or warehouse work.
Food handler and/or alcohol-awareness certification, such as TIPS.
Basic computer or tablet skills.
High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Prepare beverage components according to MEC standard recipes and procedures, including batched cocktails, juices, syrups, garnishes, infused waters, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Measure accurately, and label, date, and store prepared items according to food-safety and rotation standards.
Pull, pack, and stage alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage orders, ice, bar equipment, and supplies according to event pull sheets.
Check each order against its pull sheet before release and report shortages or problems to the Beverage Manager before the order leaves the building.
Load and unload beverage inventory, ice, equipment, and supplies to and from vehicles.
Process returned event items by counting and checking their condition, cleaning them or sending them to dish, and returning them to proper storage.
Record and report missing, damaged, or broken items.
Assist with receiving deliveries, checking them against orders, and putting products away correctly.
Stock and rotate inventory using first-in, first-out practices.
Complete assigned inventory counts and record them accurately on count sheets or in the system as directed.
Keep coolers, storage, and work areas clean, labeled, and organized.
Clean, sanitize, and properly store beverage equipment, including dispensers, coolers, containers, and bar tools; keep preparation surfaces sanitized and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
Follow food-safety, sanitation, and safe-lifting practices, and applicable ABC regulations for handling alcohol.
Follow MEC SOPs, checklists, and instructions from the Beverage Manager.
Communicate professionally with Warehouse, Event Managers, drivers, and kitchen staff to keep orders accurate and on time, and raise issues early.
Arrive on time and work scheduled shifts reliably; complete orders accurately and on time, double-check work, follow procedures, report problems promptly, leave work areas clean and organized, work safely, and treat coworkers with respect.
Perform other Beverage or warehouse support duties as assigned.