POSITION PURPOSE

The Banquet Bartender provides professional, welcoming, efficient, and responsible beverage service for Mountain Lake weddings, receptions, meetings, festivals, group functions, catered events, and in-house functions. The position is responsible for bar readiness, beverage quality, inventory accountability, responsible alcohol service, guest interaction, and complete event breakdown.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review the BEO before each function for bar type, hosted/cash arrangements, brands, specialty beverages, quantities, opening and closing times, guest count, and special instructions.
• Set up the assigned bar completely before guest arrival, including beverages, ice, glassware, mixers, garnishes, tools, napkins, straws, signage, POS/cash materials when applicable, and sanitation supplies.
• Prepare and serve beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and specialty drinks accurately, consistently, and efficiently.
• Provide warm guest interaction while maintaining speed of service and an organized bar during high-volume periods.
• Follow all Virginia ABC requirements, Mountain Lake alcohol policies, age-verification procedures, and responsible-service standards; refuse or discontinue service when required and promptly involve banquet leadership or security.
• Never leave the bar unattended while open unless properly relieved or directed by a manager.
• Monitor product levels throughout the function and communicate replenishment needs early enough to avoid service interruption.
• Maintain accurate control of alcohol, beer, wine, mixers, cash, checks, POS transactions, tickets, or consumption records as applicable to the event.
• Keep the bar, back bar, floor, work surfaces, glassware, and surrounding guest area clean, safe, and presentation-ready throughout service.
• Coordinate with banquet servers and bussers for glassware removal, water/non-alcoholic service, and event flow.
• At event conclusion, complete last-call and closing procedures as directed; secure alcohol, reconcile assigned transactions or consumption records, return inventory and equipment, dispose of waste properly, and leave the bar area clean and reset.

GUEST EXPERIENCE & SERVICE STANDARDS

• Practice the Mountain Lake 10-and-5 standard: at approximately 10 feet, make eye contact and smile; at approximately 5 feet, offer a warm verbal greeting.
• Anticipate guest needs, remain visible and approachable, and respond with genuine warmth, urgency, and ownership.
• Protect the guest experience by keeping function spaces clean, organized, safe, and presentation-ready throughout the event.
• When a guest concern arises, listen carefully, take appropriate action within your authority, and immediately involve banquet leadership when additional assistance is needed.
• Treat every wedding, meeting, festival, group meal, contracted event, and in-house function as an important Mountain Lake experience.

ONE-TEAM OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

• Work as one banquet team; assist outside your primary assignment when guest needs or event flow require it.
• Review the applicable Banquet Event Order (BEO), event resume, function timeline, and manager instructions before service.
• Communicate changes, shortages, delays, guest requests, safety concerns, and service issues promptly to banquet leadership.
• Maintain professional communication and a positive, solutions-focused attitude during high-volume and time-sensitive functions.
• Assist with pre-function preparation, service, clearing, resetting, breakdown, and cleaning as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

• Prior hospitality, restaurant, banquet, catering, or guest-service experience preferred; equivalent transferable experience considered.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to guest service.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential because banquet staffing is built around contracted event requirements.
• Must comply with Mountain Lake policies, grooming standards, safety requirements, and all applicable food-safety procedures.
• Must meet all legal and Mountain Lake age requirements for serving alcoholic beverages.
• Virginia alcohol-server training/certification may be required by Mountain Lake policy or applicable law.
• Demonstrates urgency, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, professionalism, and respect for guests and fellow associates.

SCHEDULE & ATTENDANCE

This is an hourly, non-exempt, event-driven position. Work schedules vary according to Banquet Event Orders, group activity, weddings, festivals, meetings, resort occupancy, and business needs. Early mornings, evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays are required as scheduled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Frequent standing for extended periods; repeated reaching, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying. Must be able to lift and move approximately 30 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds with assistance, including beverage cases, ice, glassware, and bar equipment. Outdoor events may involve uneven terrain and changing weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Responsible and compliant alcohol service
• Accurate BEO execution and bar setup
• Fast, friendly beverage service
• Strong beverage and inventory controls
• Clean, organized, fully stocked bar
• Dependable teamwork and guest satisfaction

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Associates may be assigned other responsibilities based on event requirements, resort operations, safety, and guest needs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mountain Lake is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace where associates are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Pay:

From $16.00 per hour Expected hours: 18.0 - 32.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Referral program Vision insurance Application Question(s): Have you worked at Mountain Lake previously? This position requires a flexible schedule with weekends and holidays required. Are you willing to work this type of schedule?

Experience:

Banquet:

2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Pembroke, VA 24136 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Pembroke, VA 24136: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person