Garden Event Bartender

Huntsville Botanical Garden is a renowned public garden dedicated to the conservation, education, and research of plants and natural ecosystems. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the Garden serves as both a tranquil natural retreat and a vibrant community hub for horticultural events, environmental education, and cultural programs. This institution is committed to providing guests with enriching experiences while promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world. By hosting a wide variety of public events, exhibits, and educational programs throughout the year, the Garden actively supports plant conservation and fosters community engagement in sustainable practices. The Garden's hospitality services play a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience during events by offering food and beverage services that align with the Garden's mission and aesthetic values.

The Garden Event Bartender position is a part-time role within the Hospitality Services department that focuses on delivering exceptional bartending services during special events hosted at the Garden. This position reports directly to the Food & Beverage Manager and is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, offering a competitive hourly wage of $15.00. The bartender will work a flexible schedule, with a significant emphasis on evening and weekend shifts, adapting to the seasonality of the events calendar. This role requires a strong commitment to customer service, knowledge of alcoholic beverage preparation, and adherence to regulatory standards, specifically those mandated by the Alabama Beverage Control Board.

Bartenders at the Huntsville Botanical Garden are responsible for ensuring that all alcoholic beverages are served responsibly and in compliance with state laws and Garden policies. Key duties include verifying age requirements, expertly crafting traditional and craft cocktails, managing inventory, handling payment processing, and maintaining cleanliness and organization at the bar station. This role demands precision in measuring liquor portions to maintain consistency and control over alcohol service. Additionally, bartenders are expected to communicate professionally with guests and event personnel, fostering a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of bartending experience, a high school diploma or GED, and must successfully complete the Responsible Vendor Training required by the Alabama Beverage Control Board. Candidates should demonstrate excellent multitasking abilities, strong organizational skills, and a polished professional appearance consistent with the Garden’s dress code. A collaborative spirit, the ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of craft cocktail preparation that enhances event ambiance are essential qualities. Preferred qualifications include experience using point-of-sale systems such as Square and bartending at special events like concerts and weddings. The physical demands of the role include occasional arrangement of bar decor, lifting supplies up to 25 pounds, and working in both indoor and occasionally outdoor environments under varied weather conditions. Equipment proficiency with tablets, two-way radios, supply carts, garden shuttles, and POS systems is also expected.

Employees of the Huntsville Botanical Garden are valued for their dedication to the institution’s mission and their professionalism in delivering high-quality services. The Garden maintains an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and offering reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. This job description outlines the essential functions and responsibilities of the Garden Event Bartender role but may evolve to meet the changing needs of the Garden and its events throughout the year.