Bartender

Ingleside Estate; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Proper Hospitality is seeking a bartender to prepare and serve a range of drinks with precision and friendly service. You will maintain a clean, well-stocked bar, manage inventory, and collaborate with staff to ensure a seamless guest experience.

The role emphasizes knowledge of cocktails, responsible service, and the ability to upsell while delivering exceptional hospitality in a high-energy setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous bartender or similar hospitality experience preferred.
• Knowledge of drink recipes and various spirits/beverages.
• Certification in responsible alcohol service (e.g., TIPS) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to guests according to established recipes and standards.
• Greet guests, take drink orders, and provide recommendations.
• Ensure beverages are prepared and served quickly with high quality and presentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized bar area and manage glassware, garnishes, and ingredients.
• Upsell drinks and promote specials to increase sales.
• Monitor alcohol service and ensure responsible, safe environment.
• Assist in bar setup before opening and close at shift end.

Skills

Leadership

Cocktail knowledge

Multitasking

Teamwork

Memory for orders

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The Bartender is responsible for preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to guests in a timely, professional, and friendly manner. You will ensure that all drinks are made to specification, provide excellent customer service, and create an enjoyable experience for all patrons. The Bartender will also maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, manage bar inventory, and work closely with other staff members to ensure efficient service and a positive guest experience.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Drink Preparation & Service:
• Prepare and serve a variety of cocktails, mixed drinks, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to guests according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner, taking drink orders, and providing recommendations as needed.
• Ensure all beverages are made and served quickly and accurately, while maintaining high standards of quality, presentation, and taste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stocked bar area, including glassware, garnishes, and drink ingredients.
• Engage with guests at the bar to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring their needs are met promptly and courteously.
• Handle guest requests and questions regarding drinks, menu items, and the overall bar experience.
• Upsell additional drinks or food items and promote featured cocktails, drink specials, or happy hour offerings to increase sales.
• Monitor guests' alcohol consumption, ensuring responsible service of alcohol and maintaining a safe and responsible environment.
• Address any guest complaints or concerns quickly and professionally, escalating to management if necessary.
• Bar Maintenance & Cleanliness:
• Ensure that the bar area, including countertops, floors, and bar tools, is kept clean and organized at all times.
• Regularly clean glassware, utensils, and bar equipment, maintaining hygiene and safety standards.
• Replenish bar stock, including liquor, garnishes, napkins, straws, and glassware, and assist with inventory management.
• Maintain sanitation standards for all bar equipment, including blenders, shakers, coolers, and bar sinks, in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Inventory Control:
• Assist in tracking bar inventory, including ordering and restocking liquor, mixers, and bar supplies as needed.
• Monitor and report low stock levels and assist in the management of bar inventory to prevent shortages and overstocking.
• Ensure all alcohol is properly stored and secure, following company policies and safety guidelines.
• Work with other bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient service throughout the shift.
• Assist in setting up the bar before opening and closing the bar at the end of the shift, ensuring that all equipment is properly stored and cleaned.
• Help train new bartenders and barbacks by sharing knowledge of drink recipes, service techniques, and bar procedures.
• Cash Handling & Transactions:
• Process payments for drinks and food items, ensuring that all transactions are accurate and handled in a timely manner.
• Handle cash, credit card payments, and tips, and maintain proper cash drawer and till procedures.
• Provide guests with accurate bills and ensure the proper closing of tabs.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience as a bartender or in a similar role within the hospitality or service industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of drink recipes, cocktail techniques, and various types of spirits and beverages.
• Certification in responsible alcohol service or bartending (e.g., TIPS, Responsible Beverage Service) is preferred but not required.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff.
• In-depth knowledge of cocktail recipes, bartending tools, and techniques.
• Strong multitasking abilities and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when it comes to cleanliness and inventory management.
• Ability to remember drink orders, guest preferences, and keep track of tabs in a high-volume environment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and move around the bar for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as bottles, kegs, and glassware (up to 25 pounds).
• Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment, particularly during peak service hours.
• Ability to occasionally bend, reach, and stoop to access storage areas or restock supplies.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper , we show up with warmth and authenticity ( Care Proper ), strive for excellence in everything we do ( Achieve Proper ), think creatively and resourcefully ( Imagine Proper ), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are ( Present Proper ).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together , for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.