Tavern & Guest Experience Associate

Benefits:

Bonus based on performance Competitive salary Opportunity for advancement Captain Nickels Inn | Searsport, Maine Benefits/Perks Flexible schedule Typical hours approximately 2:30 PM-7:00 PM Additional hours available for private events and special occasions Competitive compensation Tip opportunities Opportunity to grow with a unique and expanding hospitality property Job Summary Captain Nickels Inn is a historic coastal inn overlooking Penobscot Bay in Searsport, Maine. We are seeking a warm, polished, and guest-focused Tavern & Guest Experience Associate to join our team. This is a unique hospitality role for someone who enjoys creating a welcoming atmosphere and taking great care of guests. The position includes greeting arriving guests, supporting check-in hours, preparing and serving cocktails, beer, and wine in our tavern, and helping create an inviting late afternoon and early evening experience at the inn. The right person will be comfortable moving between bar service and guest interaction with ease — offering a warm welcome, preparing drinks with care, and helping guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. There is also opportunity to support private events and help us thoughtfully grow the tavern experience over time. Responsibilities Welcome and greet guests in a warm, professional, and polished manner Support guest arrivals and check-in experience during afternoon hours Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages in accordance with inn standards and all applicable laws Make beverage recommendations and engage with guests in a thoughtful, hospitality-driven way Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting tavern and guest service area Open and close the tavern as scheduled Restock bar supplies, glassware, wine, beer, mixers, and garnishes as needed Monitor inventory levels and communicate restocking needs Verify legal drinking age and follow all state and federal alcohol service regulations Process guest charges and payments as needed Assist with the setup, service, and breakdown of private events, elopements, micro weddings, and other special gatherings Help create an elevated guest experience that reflects the warmth and character of Captain Nickels Inn Contribute ideas for enhancing and growing the tavern experience over time Qualifications Previous experience in bartending, hospitality, guest services, restaurant service, or a related customer-facing role preferred Strong customer service skills and a genuine enjoyment of interacting with guests Comfortable preparing classic cocktails along with serving wine and beer Warm, polished, and professional demeanor Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment Strong time management and organizational skills Dependable, punctual, and flexible Ability to maintain a calm and welcoming presence in a hospitality environment Must meet legal age requirements for serving alcoholic beverages Bartending, mixology, or hospitality certification is a plus, but not required Schedule Typical shift: 2:30 PM-7:00 PM Additional evening hours as needed for events and special occasions Weekend availability preferred Flexibility during busy seasons is a plus Compensation $18.00-$25.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus tip opportunities About Captain Nickels Inn Captain Nickels Inn is a beautifully restored historic inn where guests come for a thoughtful, elevated, and memorable stay on the coast of Maine. Every part of the guest experience matters here — from the welcome at check-in to a relaxing drink in the tavern to the care shown during special events. We are looking for someone who takes pride in hospitality and wants to help us create something truly special.