Compensation and Benefits

Benefits offered: health insurance, dental insurance and a 401k retirement plan with company match.

Base bartending compensation is $250 per standard event. An additional $150 is paid for service as the Captain on site. Weddings and larger events are compensated above base, scaling with the size and complexity of the event.

Additional compensation offered: guest gratuities are retained in full by staff, automatic gratuity is paid where applicable, and delivery is compensated separately from event pay.

Every event is quoted in advance of acceptance. Compensation is confirmed before an assignment is accepted.

Overview

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events is a luxury bar and light bites catering company serving weddings, private celebrations and corporate events across the Mid Atlantic. Since 2019 we have built our reputation on a standard of service that our clients and their planners request by name.

The Event Bartender Captain is the senior bartender on site. The Captain directs bar service for the event, works the bar throughout, and serves as the company's representative to the client, the planner and the venue. Captains receive full training in company standards and procedures. Instruction in bartending fundamentals is not provided, as candidates are expected to arrive with substantial professional experience.

One to two Captains will be selected. The selection process for this position is more rigorous than for other positions within the company.

Duties

• Directs the setup, styling and presentation of the bar in accordance with company standards.
• Mixes and serves a wide range of cocktails, wine, beer and non alcoholic beverages, including specially requested and custom signature preparations.
• Serves as the on site point of contact for the client, the event planner and venue personnel.
• Directs bartenders and bar back staff assigned to the event and ensures service is delivered in a timely manner.
• Responds to guests with attentiveness and sensitivity regarding their requests, preferences and allergen concerns.
• Transports and delivers equipment, supplies and inventory to the event site, and returns them at the conclusion of service.
• Maintains accountability for all inventory issued for the event, including product served and product returned.
• Executes proper and timely setup, breakdown, cleanup and load out.
• Reports service outcomes, equipment issues and any incidents to company leadership following the event.
• Prolonged standing, walking and reaching is required. Frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds is required.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must reside on the Eastern Shore or in the Annapolis area, within reasonable distance of the Stevensville office, as all equipment and supplies are loaded there.
• Must own and operate a reliable vehicle capable of transporting two six foot folding tables, coolers and bar equipment. Delivery is a required function of this position.
• Must hold a valid driver license and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must pass a background check. Certain venues require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
• Must obtain TIPS Certification within two weeks of hire.
• Must obtain ServSafe Food Handler Certification within two weeks of hire. The company pays for the course and the examination.
• Must maintain access to a reliable computer and email and remain responsive to company communications during business hours.
• Must maintain professional appearance standards, including clean and pressed attire, restrained hairstyling and impeccable personal presentation.
• Participation in direct deposit is required.

Qualifications

In order to meet the basic requirements of the Event Bartender Captain position, you must meet all of the following:

• Substantial professional bartending experience in fine dining or upper tier restaurants, hotel banquet and event departments, country clubs, catering companies or high volume cocktail programs.
• Demonstrated ability to execute high volume beverage service without compromising quality, accuracy or presentation.
• Experience working within established sanitation and food handling standards.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

You will be rated on the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) for this position:

• Knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, wine, beer and non alcoholic beverage preparation, including the ability to execute custom and signature drink menus.
• Skill in bar presentation and styling, with an understanding that visual execution is held to the same standard as service itself.
• Ability to direct, support and hold standards with other staff during service while maintaining a collegial working environment.
• Ability to maintain composure, accuracy and presentation under sustained volume and time pressure.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to operate in a professional, service oriented manner with clients, planners and venue personnel.
• Experience explaining menu offerings, ingredients and pairings for guest satisfaction and for allergen concerns.
• Ability to work independently on site and exercise sound judgment without direct supervision.
• Experience in catering, banquet or off premise event service is preferred.

Additional Information

This position is scheduled on a flexible, as needed basis. Events are placed on the calendar well in advance and staff accept the assignments that suit their availability. No employee is scheduled for an event they have not accepted.

Weddings and private events fall primarily on weekends, with occasional Friday evenings. Corporate events fall on weekdays. The business is seasonal, and spring and fall are the heaviest periods.

This position suits experienced hospitality professionals seeking substantial income alongside a flexible schedule, including those currently working weekend service, those requiring schedules that accommodate other commitments, and those who have stepped away from full time restaurant work.

References will be verified. Applicants may be asked to complete a paid working event prior to final selection.

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or other non merit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities.