Banquet Server - On Call Washington, DC

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Army and Navy Club is seeking an On-Call Banquet Server to provide professional food and beverage service at banquet events and private functions. Shifts are event-driven with no guaranteed hours, and availability must be maintained for roster opportunities.

Responsibilities include setting up events, greeting members, entering orders in the POS, serving according to standards, upselling after-dinner options, and ensuring timely closing of checks while upholding Club safety and hygiene rules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of professional food service experience in a fine dining, private club, hotel, or upscale hospitality environment.
• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree or coursework in hospitality preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally.
• Proficiency in banquet and a la carte service styles (French, Russian, American) strongly preferred.
• Experience with POS systems required; familiarity with Northstar, Jonas, or similar club management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Army and Navy Club as a professional “goodwill ambassador” at all times, maintaining a courteous and dignified presence.
• Complete assigned pre-event setup including table settings, linen placement, silverware polishing, napkin folding, and side station preparation.
• Greet and acknowledge Members and Guests promptly upon seating; provide attentive, anticipatory service throughout the event.
• Verify Member account numbers and accurately enter orders into the POS system; relay any special dietary needs or cooking instructions to kitchen staff.
• Serve food and beverages following established Club service standards, including proper plate handling, tray service, and wine service etiquette.
• Monitor and proactively replenish water, bread, and beverages; check in with tables to ensure satisfaction without interrupting conversation.
• Clear courses and remove soiled items efficiently and discreetly in accordance with the event timeline.
• Suggest and upsell dessert, coffee, digestifs, and other after-dinner offerings in an informed and non-intrusive manner.
• Verify accuracy of all charges, items, and Member account information before closing each check or chit.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas, bus stations, and service corridors throughout and after events.
• Report Member or Guest complaints or concerns immediately to the Banquet Manager or Captain for prompt resolution.
• Attend pre-event briefings when scheduled; review event orders and assigned duties upon arrival for each shift.
• Adhere to all inventory control procedures for linens, glassware, china, silverware, and service equipment.
• Continuously develop knowledge of seasonal menus, wine pairings, spirits, and Club culinary offerings.
• Comply with all DC food safety regulations, alcohol service laws (ABRA), and Club health and hygiene standards.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Food & beverage pairing

Clear communication

Flexible hours

Education

High school diploma or GED

Hospitality coursework preferred

English literacy (read/write/speak)

Tools

Northstar POS

Jonas POS

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The On-Call Banquet Server at The Army and Navy Club provides professional food and beverage service during banquet events, private functions, and Club-hosted occasions on an as-needed basis. This position carries no guaranteed hours or set schedule; work is offered based on event demand and staffing needs, and the employee is contacted in advance to confirm availability. On-call servers are expected to maintain the same high standards of service, appearance, and professionalism as regular staff and to embody the Club’s shared spirit of “Serve Those Who Serve” in every interaction.

ON-CALL EMPLOYMENT TERMS

• This is an on-call, as-needed position; there is no guaranteed minimum number of hours per week or month
• Scheduling is event-driven; the Club will contact on-call servers in advance to offer available shifts based on event bookings and staffing needs
• On-call servers are not required to accept every shift offered, but consistent availability and reliability are expected to remain active on the on-call roster
• On-call servers who are unavailable for an extended period or decline shifts repeatedly may be removed from the active roster at management’s discretion
• This position does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions unless otherwise required by DC law
• On-call servers are compensated at the applicable hourly rate for all hours worked, plus any applicable service charges as determined by Club policy

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

• Represent the Army and Navy Club as a professional “goodwill ambassador” at all times, maintaining a courteous and dignified presence
• Complete assigned pre-event setup including table settings, linen placement, silverware polishing, napkin folding, and side station preparation
• Greet and acknowledge Members and Guests promptly upon seating; provide attentive, anticipatory service throughout the event
• Verify Member account numbers and accurately enter orders into the POS system; relay any special dietary needs or cooking instructions to kitchen staff
• Serve food and beverages following established Club service standards, including proper plate handling, tray service, and wine service etiquette
• Monitor and proactively replenish water, bread, and beverages; check in with tables to ensure satisfaction without interrupting conversation
• Clear courses and remove soiled items efficiently and discreetly in accordance with the event timeline
• Suggest and upsell dessert, coffee, digestifs, and other after-dinner offerings in an informed and non-intrusive manner
• Verify accuracy of all charges, items, and Member account information before closing each check or chit
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas, bus stations, and service corridors throughout and after events
• Report Member or Guest complaints or concerns immediately to the Banquet Manager or Captain for prompt resolution
• Attend pre-event briefings when scheduled; review event orders and assigned duties upon arrival for each shift
• Adhere to all inventory control procedures for linens, glassware, china, silverware, and service equipment
• Continuously develop knowledge of seasonal menus, wine pairings, spirits, and Club culinary offerings
• Comply with all DC food safety regulations, alcohol service laws (ABRA), and Club health and hygiene standards
• Perform closing duties as assigned, including breakdown, restocking, and securing banquet spaces
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years of professional food service experience in a fine dining, private club, hotel, or upscale hospitality environment required
• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree or coursework in hospitality preferred
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally
• Proficiency in banquet and a la carte service styles (French, Russian, American) strongly preferred
• Experience with POS systems required; familiarity with Northstar, Jonas, or similar club management software preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of food and beverage pairings, wine service, and classic cocktails
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with Members, Guests, and colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to varying event formats, team compositions, and service requirements with minimal orientation time
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high service and appearance standards
• Reliable and responsive — must be reachable and able to confirm availability promptly when contacted for shifts
• Ability to work flexible, irregular hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and early mornings as events require

Certifications & Compliance

• DC ABRA Safe Alcohol Service certification required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of joining the roster)
• DC Food Handler’s certification required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of joining the roster)
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout an entire shift (4–10+ hours)
• Frequently required to carry trays, lift, and transport items; must be able to lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and navigate confined spaces while carrying items safely
• Requires full range of hand and arm motion for handling glassware, serving equipment, and POS terminals
• Requires adequate vision (near, far, peripheral, color) and hearing for safe and effective service

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Army and Navy Club is an equal opportunity employer.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

The Army and Navy Club participates in E-Verify and the Right to Work program. Upon acceptance of a job offer, you will be required to complete Form I-9, and the information will be submitted to E-Verify to confirm your legal authorization to work in the U.S.