Bartender

Location: 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Reports to: Dining Room Supervisor. FLSA: Non-Exempt, Hourly.

About the Role

Founded in 1982, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is a not-for-profit, faith-based Life Plan Community located along the southern shore of Chesapeake Bay. Our scenic, resort-style campus is home to a vibrant community of residents and staff who share a passion for service, joy, and well-being. Our mission is enriching lives through the power of purpose, belonging, and wellness. We live our values every day: respect for every person, passion for what we do, and professionalism in all we do. The Bartender elevates the resident and guest dining experience by blending classic cocktail expertise with creative craft mixology and attentive, personalized hospitality. Key responsibilities include designing signature cocktails and house-made syrups, sharing beverage knowledge, mentoring dining staff, and cross-supporting overall food and beverage operations while upholding strict standards of sanitation, responsible alcohol service, and operational consistency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including classic cocktails, signature creations, and seasonal specialties.
• Develop and refine craft cocktail recipes using house-made syrups, specialty infusions, tinctures, fresh ingredients, and creative garnishes.
• Maintain consistency in recipes, presentation, portioning, and beverage quality.
• Share beverage knowledge and make thoughtful recommendations that enhance the resident and guest experience.
• Monitor alcohol consumption and follow all applicable laws, regulations, and responsible service practices.
• Mentor and train team members in bartending fundamentals, including bar tools, measuring techniques, cocktail preparation, spirits, and service standards.
• Support beverage inventory management, accurate counts, controlled pouring, and cost-conscious practices.
• Collaborate with dining leadership to introduce new beverage offerings and improve bar operations.
• Provide attentive, professional service to residents and guests across dining venues and special events.
• Perform additional dining service responsibilities as assigned, including serving, hosting, running food, bussing, and cashiering.
• Maintain table presentation, service flow, and a clean, organized, and guest-ready environment.
• Complete opening and closing side work, including proper storage, dating, and labeling of food and beverage items.
• Follow established sanitation, glassware handling, equipment cleaning, and temperature-monitoring procedures.
• Follow emergency and fire safety procedures and assist with evacuations when necessary.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and genuine interest in residents and guests, particularly older adults.
• Brings fresh ideas to cocktail development while maintaining consistency, quality, and cost awareness.
• Interacts clearly, respectfully, and professionally with residents, guests, team members, and supervisors.
• Follows established procedures, exercises sound judgment, and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Shares knowledge, supports colleagues, and contributes to a positive, service-focused environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for shifts of up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift, carry, and balance trays weighing approximately 20–30 pounds.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, as required by assigned duties.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and maneuvering safely throughout the work area.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to handle bottles, glassware, bar tools, and equipment.
• Ability to work safely with cleaning chemicals and follow required precautions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21, consistent with applicable alcohol service requirements.
• At least one year of bartending experience in an upscale environment with demonstrated craft cocktail expertise.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, beverage preparation, presentation, and responsible alcohol service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, entertain, and educate residents and guests.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Professional appearance, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to use a tablet or point-of-sale system to process transactions and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fine-dining restaurants.
• Wine knowledge and proper wine service techniques.
• Experience developing cocktail menus, costing recipes, and preparing