Lead Bartender

Aparium Hotel Group•Fargo, ND

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Bartender reports to the Restaurant General Manager and plays a key leadership role within the food & beverage team, working collaboratively with barbacks, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cooks, and chefs. This position requires a strong foundation in advanced bartending techniques, the ability to manage time and workflow seamlessly, and expert-level knowledge of beverages and cocktails. As Lead Bartender, you are not only responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, but also for setting the standard for excellence behind the bar. You will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and hospitality in every interaction. Your role extends beyond making great drinks—you will mentor and train your fellow bartenders, ensuring consistency, creativity, and high standards of service across the team. You will actively foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. You will be expected to have in-depth menu knowledge, allowing for the safe and informed service of guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. You will also collaborate on seasonal cocktail menus, contributing to the creativity and evolution of the beverage program. Our service team members are expected to be reliable, responsible, and professional. You will arrive polished, prepared, and ready to lead by example, ensuring that your team operates with efficiency and confidence. We emphasize a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, where we treat our colleagues with the same care and hospitality as our guests—offering a smile, a helping hand, and a willingness to support in any situation. Additionally, you will actively foster trusting and transparent relationships with your fellow service team members and associates throughout the hotel. As part of Aparium Hotel Group, you will work with an inspiring team that values collaboration, humility, experience, and an open mind—no egos allowed. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining a positive, professional, and guest-focused atmosphere behind the bar. Evenings and weekends are required. Pay is $15/hr + tips.

Requirements

Passion for the People, Place and Culture of our community, love of Restaurants and Guest Service also required
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a bartender in either a free-standing or hotel restaurant or bar.
TiPS Alcohol service certification and SafeStaff Certificate of Completion, or ability to obtain such within 30 days of hire
Must meet local age requirements in order to serve alcohol
Available to work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends and holidays
Fluency in English both verbally and non-verbally
Continuous standing and walking and negotiating wet tile floor and steps
Fine motor coordination is needed to pour beverages, decorate cocktails and folding napkins
Standing and walking is continuous for 4-5 hours at a time
Lifting and carrying 30 lb. tray, crate or box is occasional
Negotiating varied floor surfaces is continuous
Carrying over shoulder is occasional
Hand and elbow movements for polishing glassware, silver, setting up tables, shacking, pouring and mixing drinks
Excellent sight and balance needed for negotiating varied floor surfaces
Handling lighted candles, and handling hot fluids (coffee and tea)
Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport beverage goods inventory, equipment, etc.
Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport beverage inventory, equipment, etc.
Must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers (-10F) and kitchens (+110F)

Nice To Haves

Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to creating the perfect concoction.
You spend your days or nights working behind the bar tirelessly crafting perfectly balanced drinks, making wine recommendations, and building relationships with guests, which comes natural to you.
You enjoy spending your off time reading up on spirits, history of cocktails, and cruising the Instagram accounts of the best bars in the world or finding new drink recipes.
It is also quite possible you have been learning juggle shakers in front of a mirror.
You pride yourself on cultivating your regular guest base and love that you are the face they want to see, whether they are happy and want to celebrate or just need to see a familiar friendly face after a rough day.
You become a name our guests recognize, remember, and return to.
You are welcoming and embody gracious hospitality at all times.

Responsibilities

Lead by example, setting the tone for impeccable service, professionalism, and efficiency.
Be an ambassador of the Jasper Hotel, sharing the stories behind our cocktails, ingredients, and the vibrant local culture.
Provide knowledgeable recommendations to guests, whether it’s a handcrafted cocktail, rare spirit, or perfect wine pairing.
Ensure safe, responsible, and legal alcohol service, maintaining compliance with all regulations.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace, treating the bar as a stage for guest experience.
Assist in the creation of seasonal cocktail menus and update bartending binders with product information sheets and cocktail recipes.
Facilitate ongoing staff training with education on beer, wine, and spirits.
Batch cocktails and house-made ingredients, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality while optimizing prep time.
Work closely with the F&B and Culinary teams to create seamless service and ensure timely food and drink delivery.
Ensure bar products, keg cooler, liquor and wine room are well-stocked, organized, and maintained.
Monitor guest requests for specific liquor, beer, and wine selections, and provide feedback to management on trending preferences to evaluate potential additions to the inventory or menu.
Ensure bar prep items are at proper par levels and communicate bar needs (dry goods, tools, produce) to the Bar Manager.
Maintain, follow, and update all bar checklists, including daily opening and closing procedures.
Prepare end-of-night closing checklists, reports, and sign out other associates in the absence of a manager.
Ensure proper storage and inventory of products by following FIFO (First In, First Out) and dating procedures.
Train, mentor, and support bartenders and barbacks to uphold consistency, quality, and efficiency.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings and monthly staff meetings, offering insights, feedback, and strategies for improvement.
Prepare and serve beverages for servers and guests in a speedy, efficient, and professional manner.
Carry trays, bus, and reset tables with the appropriate items as needed.
Communicate maintenance Issues or repairs to Management or Maintenance Department.
Step in and support other areas of F&B, including banquets, in-room dining, café, and restaurant operations.
Uphold and model the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character by being proud of who we are, where we come from, and who we serve.