Bartender

**Bartender**

**Position Overview**

Step behind the taps at Helliwell Fine Beer & Beverage, where every shift is an opportunity to mix great drinks and unforgettable experiences. As a brewery restaurant bartender, you’ll be the friendly face serving up craft beverages and good vibes, sharing your love of beer with guests, and keeping the bar running smoothly and safely. Your expertise and enthusiasm help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back for more.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**
- **Customer Service and Hospitality**:

- Greet guests warmly, build rapport, and offer recommendations on the beer and food menu.
- Craft cocktails and serve beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks accurately and efficiently for bar patrons and servers.
- Create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Handle customer complaints or concerns professionally and promptly.
- **Beverage Preparation and Beer Knowledge**:

- Possess extensive knowledge of beer styles, brewing processes, and tasting notes to educate guests and suggest pairings.
- Prepare and pour beverages, including craft beers from taps, using proper techniques and glassware.
- For venues with a cocktail menu, prepare drinks according to standard recipes or customer specifications.
- **Bar Operations and Cleanliness**:

- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the bar area throughout the shift, including washing glassware and wiping down surfaces.
- Perform opening and closing duties, such as restocking beer coolers, liquor, and garnishes.
- Manage bar inventory by keeping track of stock levels, rotating products, and assisting with orders to prevent shortages.
- **Compliance and Payment Processing**:

- Monitor guests' alcohol consumption and check identification to ensure compliance with responsible alcohol service laws and company policy.
- Operate a Point of Sale (POS) system efficiently to take orders, manage tabs, and process cash or card payments accurately.
- Work as a team with kitchen and floor staff to ensure smooth service for all guests.

**Qualifications and Skills**
- **Experience and Certifications**:

- A minimum of two years’ experience in a food and beverage or hospitality role is often required.
- A valid Smart Serve, TIPS, or equivalent alcohol service certification is typically mandatory.
- Familiarity with POS systems and cash handling is essential.
- **Personal and Professional Skills**:

- Customer-focused: Strong communication skills with a friendly, outgoing, and professional demeanor to build guest relationships.
- Multitasking and adaptability: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while remaining calm under pressure.
- Attention to detail: A high level of meticulousness is required for drink preparation, cash handling, and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Team-oriented: Excellent teamwork and coordination skills are needed to collaborate effectively with all restaurant staff.
- Passion for craft beer: A genuine enthusiasm for the brewery scene and a willingness to learn about beer and brewing processes.

**Working Conditions**
- Bartenders typically work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- The role requires standing and walking for extended periods and may involve lifting heavy items, such as beer kegs or cases, weighing up to 50 lbs.
- The work environment can be loud and busy during peak service times.

**Compensation**:

- Base salary plus tips as part of the overall compensation package.

**Reports To**: General Manager or Supervisor

**Hours**:

- Day shift
- Night shift

Must be available to work **holidays,** **weekends** and **occasional extended hours** up to 2 AM to 3AM.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $17.60 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:

- St. Catharines, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- food and beverage or hospitality role : 2 years (required)
- POS systems and cash handling : 2 years (preferred)
- Customer Service: 2 years (required)
- Bartending: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Smart Serve (required)

Work Location: In person