POSITION PURPOSE

The Banquet Server delivers attentive, efficient, and polished food and beverage service for Mountain Lake weddings, rehearsal events, meetings, festivals, group functions, catered events, and in-house functions. This position executes each event according to the BEO and Mountain Lake service standards while creating a warm, memorable guest experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend pre-shift meetings and review the BEO, menu, service style, timing, dietary needs, assigned station, table numbers, and special guest requirements.
• Prepare assigned tables and service stations with correct linens, china, glassware, silverware, condiments, water, coffee service, and other required items.
• Provide plated, buffet, family-style, reception, break, and other banquet service according to the event plan and manager direction.
• Deliver food promptly and accurately. Hot food must be served hot; cold food must be served cold. Food leaves the kitchen only when it is correct, complete, properly presented, and something you would proudly serve your own grandmother.
• Maintain beverages proactively; water, coffee, tea, and other included beverages should not be allowed to run empty when reasonably preventable.
• Know the menu and communicate guest questions, allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests immediately to banquet leadership and culinary staff.
• Clear used dishes, glassware, and service items promptly without interrupting the guest experience; reset tables or stations as required.
• Monitor assigned tables continuously and coordinate with runners, bussers, bartenders, culinary staff, and banquet leadership to maintain service timing.
• Assist with buffet monitoring and communicate immediately when food, plates, utensils, beverages, or service items require replenishment.
• Follow responsible alcohol-service requirements when serving alcoholic beverages and immediately involve a bartender or manager when appropriate.
• Complete assigned side work, breakdown, cleanup, inventory return, and function-room reset before being released by banquet leadership.

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.
• 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 and walking for extended periods; bending, reaching, carrying trays and service items; ability to lift and carry approximately 30 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds with assistance as needed. Must safely navigate kitchens, banquet rooms, outdoor event areas, stairs, uneven surfaces, and changing weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• BEO and event timeline executed accurately
• Prompt, accurate food and beverage service
• Strong guest interaction and proactive beverage maintenance
• Clean, orderly tables and service areas
• Dependable teamwork and event attendance
• Positive guest and event-host feedback

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 $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 24.0 - 32.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Paid training Referral program Vision insurance Application Question(s): Have you worked at Mountain Lake previously? Flexible shifts are a must which include weekends and holidays. Are you willing to work those shifts?

Experience:

Banquet:

2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Pembroke, VA 24136 (Required)

Work Location:

In person