Barback

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation is seeking a Barback to support efficient food-and-beverage operations. This role helps keep service areas stocked, clean, and organized, anticipating bartender needs and assisting with bar setup and breakdown during events and catering activations.

The Barback collects prepared items, checks orders for accuracy, and coordinates pickup with kitchen staff. It does not independently take beverage orders or handle guest transactions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Experience in barback, restaurant, concessions, catering, or events preferred.
• Ability to stand, move for extended periods, and lift up to 50 pounds with/without accommodation.
• Valid California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Set up beverage and food-service areas with required products, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Stock and replenish ice, beverages, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and service materials.
• Monitor supply levels and anticipate bartender needs during service.
• Collect, wash, sanitize, and return glassware and bar tools.
• Maintain clean and organized service and storage areas.
• Communicate shortages or issues to bartenders or managers promptly.

Skills

Barback experience

Teamwork

Reliability

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Food handler knowledge

Job description

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of curated gardens and natural landscapes built atop a reclaimed landfill, serving as a powerful example of environmental renewal.

From the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden to the Dorothy and Allen Lay Staghorn Fern Collection and immersive seasonal exhibits, the Garden offers guests unique opportunities to engage with nature. With continued growth and exciting new developments ahead, this is an exciting time to join a dynamic and evolving organization.

South Coast Botanic Garden fosters a workplace culture where strategic focus and cultural health go hand in hand. Team members are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to supporting the Garden’s mission and guest experience.

POSITION TITLE:
Barback

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to the Manager, Kitchen and Chef

JOB SUMMARY:

The Barback supports efficient food-and-beverage operations by keeping service areas stocked, clean, organized, and ready for service. This position anticipates Bartender needs, replenishes supplies, supports bar setup and breakdown, and assists with food-expediting operations during high-volume events, concessions operations, and catered activations.

The Barback collects prepared food items, checks orders for accuracy, completeness, presentation, and quality, and coordinates timely pickup or delivery with kitchen and service staff. The Barback does not independently take beverage orders, process guest transactions, check identification, or prepare and serve alcoholic beverages.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

• Anticipate service needs and replenish products and supplies before they run low.
• Ensure food orders are complete, accurate, properly presented, and ready on time.
• Complete food-and-beverage setup and breakdown accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe service, preparation, and storage areas.
• Communicate shortages, incorrect orders, equipment problems, and service needs promptly.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Including, but not limited to:

BAR AND FOOD‑SERVICE SUPPORT

• Set up beverage and food-service areas with the required products, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Stock and replenish ice, packaged beverages, mixers, garnishes, glassware, napkins, and other service materials.
• Monitor supply levels and anticipate Bartender needs throughout service.
• Prepare garnishes, juices, mixers, and other nonalcoholic beverage components in accordance with established standards.
• Collect, wash, sanitize, and return glassware and bar tools.
• Transport beverage products, ice, equipment, food items, and supplies safely between storage, kitchen, and service areas.
• Collect completed food items from the kitchen and organize them for pickup or delivery.
• Compare food items with order tickets to confirm accuracy, completeness, modifications, presentation, and quality.
• Notify kitchen staff promptly of missing, incorrect, delayed, or quality-related concerns.
• Assist with food distribution or delivery as assigned.

CLEANING, BREAKDOWN, AND INVENTORY SUPPORT

• Maintain clean and organized service, food-expediting, preparation, and storage areas.
• Address spills, broken glass, trash, recycling, and other safety hazards promptly.
• Break down service areas and return products, tools, and equipment to designated locations.
• Store and rotate products according to established procedures.
• Assist with inventory counts, receiving deliveries, product organization, and waste tracking.
• Report shortages, damaged products, equipment problems, and safety concerns promptly.

TEAMWORK, GUEST EXPERIENCE, AND COMPLIANCE

• Work collaboratively with Bartenders, kitchen staff, event staff, and managers to maintain efficient food-and-beverage service.
• Communicate food order status, product availability, and service needs clearly to the appropriate team members.
• Respond to guests in a friendly and professional manner and direct orders or service concerns to a Bartender or manager.
• Follow SCBG’s food-and-beverage, sanitation, food-handling, and workplace-safety procedures.
• Handle and store beverages, food items, glassware, chemicals, and equipment safely.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, cleaning, and event checklists.
• Attend required training sessions and pre-event meetings.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Previous experience as a barback, in a restaurant, concessions, catering, warehouse, or event roles preferred.
• Strong reliability, organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to anticipate operational needs and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to check food orders for accuracy, completeness, presentation, and quality.
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods; regularly bend, reach, push, and pull; regularly lift and carry supplies weighing up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Valid California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire. SCBG will provide or pay for required training and certification in accordance with applicable law.
• California Responsible Beverage Service certification preferred or must be obtained if required for assigned duties.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Availability to work days and evenings, including weekends, holidays, and special events.

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position paying $19–$20 per hour. The position may also be eligible to participate in applicable tip-pooling arrangements. Day and evening availability, including Saturdays and Sundays, is required . Applicants must submit a resume and completed application for consideration.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

South Coast Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and celebrate the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each employee brings to our organization. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.