Bartender

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,444,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

401(k) plan

Job summary

Mendocino Railway is seeking a bartender for part-time work aboard the Skunk Train and at on-site venues. The role covers nights, weekends, and holidays with pay that includes base wages plus tips.

You will help with setup, drink prep, service, and cleanup while maintaining a friendly, professional atmosphere. Ideal candidates have 1+ year of customer service or hospitality experience, strong cocktail knowledge, and basic POS skills.

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ years old to serve alcohol.
• 1+ years in customer service, bartending or hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation.
• Familiarity with brewing techniques is a plus.
• Tech savvy with POS/timecard apps.

Responsibilities

• Greet and serve guests in a friendly, professional manner.
• Prepare and serve beverages per company standards.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff during events.
• Assist with setup and teardown of guest areas.
• Maintain cleanliness of bars and service stations.
• Restock supplies and bar items as needed.
• Ensure compliance with health and alcohol regulations.
• Manage time during busy shifts while keeping quality.
• Support themed events and private charters.
• Provide accurate menu and train operation information.
• Handle cash and POS transactions when required.
• Communicate effectively with guests, crew, supervisors.
• Ensure safety and comfort of all passengers.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Cocktail knowledge

POS proficiency

Communication skills

Time management

Tools

POS software

Job description

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of freight and passenger railroads including the California Western Railroad / Skunk Train and the River Fox Train. The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gage passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California.

The Skunk Train is looking for outgoing individuals with an aptitude for fun and hard work to join the crew as aBartender. This is a part-time position with ability to work nights, weekends and holidays. Pay includes base hourly rate + tips.

Bartenders play a key role in ensuring guests have an exceptional experience during excursions, events, and at our outdoor venue through delivery of all beverages including beer, wine, and cocktails. Bartenders assist with setup, drink preparation, bar and table service, and cleanup while maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere aboard the train and in event spaces.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• Greet and serve guests in a friendly, professional manner throughout excursions and events.
• Prepare and serve beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and according to company standards.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to coordinate food service during events or busy periods, particularly in banquet settings.
• Assist with setup and teardown of guest areas.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food and beverage areas, including tables, counters, and service stations.
• Restock supplies, inventory, and bar items as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, food, and alcohol service regulations.
• Demonstrate effective time management skills to handle busy shifts while maintaining quality service.
• Support themed and special event operations (e.g., holiday rides, private charters, and seasonal excursions).
• Provide accurate information about menu offerings, events, and train operations to guests.
• Handle cash and POS transactions accurately when required.
• Communicate effectively with guests, crew members and supervisors to ensure seamless service.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years or older to serve alcohol.
• 1+ years of experience in a customer service role preferably food and beverage, bartending, or hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation skills.
• Familiarity with brewing techniques is a plus, enhancing the beverage offerings available to guests.
• Tech savvy with ability to easily operate POS and timecard apps.
• Pre-employment drug screen (including cannabis) and background check required prior to hiring.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Basic food and beverage knowledge (beer, wine, cocktails, and menu familiarity).
• Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain or maintain valid California food handler and alcohol service certifications (training provided if necessary).
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Willingness to work both onboard a moving train and at a station or event locations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk on uneven surfaces (train platforms, gravel, etc.).
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs safely (e.g., beverage cases, trays).
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks as part of food and beverage service.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and around moving rail equipment (with provided safety training).
• Must be able to perform duties safely while on a moving train.

BENEFITS

• Employment is part-time and includes paid sick leave accrual and 401(k) plan.
• If employment moves to full-time status it would include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and paid time off.

EEO Statement

Mendocino Railway is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disabled status or any other protected class.