Barback Job Description: Examples & Templates
Whether you’re hiring for a small bar or a large restaurant chain, an accurate and engaging Barback job description is crucial when it comes to attracting the right candidates.
This guide will show you how to craft a great Barback job description, including what information to include and how to structure it. We’ll go over every section in detail to help you create the ideal ad listing.
Barback Job Description Template
Download this template in PDF or Word format and customize it to your specific needs.
Barback Job Overview
[Establishment Name] is looking for a dedicated full-time Barback to assist our team in maintaining efficient bar operations and ensuring a clean, well-organized environment for our customers.
The role involves assisting Bartenders by preparing garnishes, ensuring ample stock of bar supplies and maintaining cleanliness in the bar area.
This position is open to applicants aged [Minimum age to serve alcohol in your state] and above. Previous experience in a similar role is preferred but not required.
Salary: [Salary range] per hour + tips
Schedule: Full-time/Part-time
Benefits: Paid time off, employee discounts
Barback Duties & Responsibilities
- Monitor and restock bar supplies, including glassware, liquors, and mixers, ensuring bartenders have everything they need to serve customers efficiently. Maintain cleanliness by wiping down surfaces, polishing glasses and handling trash removal at the end of each shift
Barback Experience & Age Requirements
- While previous experience in a bar or restaurant is preferred, we are open to candidates eager to learn and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with bar equipment such as ice machines and blenders is a plus.
- Must be at least [Minimum age to serve alcohol in your state] years old
Barback Skills & Abilities
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- A keen eye for details
- Strong attention to detail is essential for keeping track of inventory levels and ensuring the bar is fully stocked.
- Excellent organizational skills are necessary for maintaining a clean and orderly workspace, especially during peak service hours
- Great multitasking abilities, especially under pressure
- Physically fit to stand for long hours and lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Knowledge of responsible alcohol service practices and compliance with legal regulations regarding alcohol sale and consumption
- Familiarity with bar equipment and tools is considered a plus.
Barback Education & Qualifications
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- While no formal certification is needed, any training in food safety or responsible alcohol service will be considered an advantage.
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How To Write a Barback Job Description
A good job description is one that’s able to provide clear and concise details about the role. When creating a Barback job description, put yourself in the candidate’s shoes and try to answer relevant questions they might have about the role’s duties, responsibilities and requirements.
Here’s what every job description needs to include, especially one for the hospitality industry and roles like Barbacks.
Barback Duties and Responsibilities
Your job description should focus on the key Barback duties and responsibilities that will be expected of whoever ends up working in this role. If you’re open about what this role entails and what daily tasks applicants will be expected to perform, you’re much more likely to get an applicant you’re interested in and you’ll reduce the turnover rate for your establishment.
Here are just a few common Barbacks duties:
- Maintaining overall cleanliness and organization of the bar area
- Keeping the bar stocked and ordering items when needed
- Cleaning drink spills and taking out the trash at the end of the shift
- Keeping glasses, plates and other Bartender tools clean and polished
- Filling up ice bins whenever they’re running low
- Helping the Bartender take drink orders and serve drinks during peak hours
Barback Skills and Experience
Don’t use complicated language or jargon that people won’t understand unless they’re in the industry. This is an entry-level role, so use simple language anyone can understand, even if they only have a high school diploma.
Don’t be vague when creating your job description. Avoid using terms like “handle” and “manage” without further context. This leaves room for interpretation, which could lead to misunderstandings between you and the candidate further down the line. The clearer and more precise you are, the better it is for everyone involved.
Here’s what you should look for when choosing a new Barback for your establishment:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Great organizational skills to keep the bar area clean and sanitized
- Ability to work under pressure, especially during peak hours
- Barbacks must be physically fit, as the role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy kegs, and navigating a fast-paced environment. Candidates with strong multitasking abilities and a positive attitude will thrive in this role
Barback Education and Certifications
Include whether the ideal candidate should possess any special certifications. For Barbacks, most establishments don’t mind a candidate with only a high school diploma or equivalent.
Barback Salary Expectations
Make sure all of the information is presented in a clear and concise manner. Things like salary and benefits should be visible as soon as candidates open the job ad. That way, you’re clearly communicating what you’re offering and they can apply if they feel it meets their needs and requirements.
Barbacks in the U.S. earn an average salary of $31,688 per year, plus tips. Offering a competitive hourly rate and clear benefits such as employee discounts or health coverage can help attract committed candidates.
Similar Job Titles
- Bartender Job Description
- Host/Hostess Job Description
- Barista Job Description
- Assistant Restaurant Manager Job Description
Barback Job Description FAQ
Since this is an entry-level job, you can hire Barbacks with no previous experience and train them on the job. If you want someone with previous experience in a similar role, you can offer a higher salary and attract those types of candidates. Make sure to mention whether previous experience is required or not when posting your Barback job description.
This depends on the state your establishment is located in. You can view labor laws in each state to see whether there’s a minimum age for hiring Barbacks. As a general rule, if Barbacks serve alcohol in your establishment, they’ll need to be of legal age to serve alcohol and will most likely need a valid alcohol-serving permit.
Ask questions that will help you determine whether the applicant would be able to fill the duties and responsibilities of a Barback. These might include questions related to their organizational skills, work etiquette and even multitasking abilities. Examine the candidate’s cover letter thoroughly and talk to them about why they’d like to work at your establishment. We also have a separate Barback interview questions article outlining the most common questions for this role.
Serving customers is the job of Bartenders and Waiters/Waitresses. However, there may be times when Barbacks might have to refill drinks or help out with deliveries during peak hours. Therefore, looking for candidates who can provide excellent customer service can be a good idea.
Barback shifts are usually 4-8 hours long, but this depends on the specific establishment in which they work. They often work nights or early in the morning and work longer shifts during peak times such as weekends and holidays.
Barbacks who excel in their role have the opportunity to move into higher positions, such as Bartender or Shift Supervisor, as they gain experience and prove their ability to handle greater responsibilities.