Special Events Bartender
About The Position
The Special Events Bartender works as part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Food Services team to provide guests with a high level of service and help create memorable events. The role involves preparing and serving consistent beverages, maintaining bar operations and inventory, following Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) guidelines, and helping maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Bartenders must respond professionally to guest needs and complaints and work collaboratively in a fast-paced event setting. The position offers flexible scheduling based on agreed availability and advance notice where possible. The Events Team works in a professional, team-centric environment, and event revenue supports museum operations. VMFA staff receive free admission to special exhibitions, exhibition previews, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse, Floris, Best Café, and the VMFA Shop. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check.
Requirements
- Ability to handle fast-paced, high-volume situations and remain calm, professional, and gracious in a high-pressure workplace.
- Knowledge of full-service bar operations, recipes for various alcoholic beverages, and ABC policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of basic bar equipment, including a shaker, strainer, juicer, and muddler.
- Ability to set up, maintain, and break down a bar.
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
- Ability to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; and taste and smell.
- Ability to be prompt and punctual for scheduled shifts.
- Ability to solve problems independently.
- Knowledge of cash-handling policies and procedures.
- Ability to use a point-of-sale system.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, holidays, evenings, and weekends.
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team.
- Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow directions and instructions.
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand or walk for up to 8 hours.
Nice To Haves
- Prior knowledge of ABC policies and guidelines.
- Prior experience as a bartender and/or server.
- Prior experience in a fast-paced, fine-dining environment.
- Prior bartending education and training.
- ServSafe Food Handler’s certification.
Responsibilities
- Use standard beverage recipes and prepare and serve consistent beverages.
- Prepare bars and keep them stocked throughout the shift; set up, maintain, and break down the bar.
- Check guests’ identification and ensure it is valid.
- Mix drinks according to serving sizes established by management and ABC guidelines.
- Monitor alcohol inventory, maintain appropriate stock levels and tight controls, and complete consumption reports after shifts.
- Provide a consistently high level of customer service and maintain a safe environment by identifying problem clients and addressing situations appropriately with management.
- Follow safety and sanitary practices.
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints when needed.
Benefits
- Free admission to special exhibitions and previews of special exhibitions.
- Employee pricing for select museum programs and classes.
- Discounts at Amuse, Floris, Best Café, and the VMFA Shop.
- Flexible scheduling, with reasonable and advance scheduling notice where possible based on agreed availability.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
