Busser

Proper Hospitality; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Proper Hospitality in Santa Monica is seeking a dedicated Busser to support servers and keep the dining room pristine. You will clear tables, reset dining stations, assist with delivering food and drinks, and help maintain stock and organization throughout service.

This role requires attention to cleanliness, strong teamwork, and the ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment. A high school diploma is preferred, and prior restaurant experience is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience as a busser is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures in a restaurant setting.

Responsibilities

• Clear tables promptly after guests finish their meals, resetting with clean utensils, plates, glassware, napkins, and condiments.
• Assist servers in delivering food and beverages to guests and checking in on satisfaction.
• Maintain cleanliness in the dining area and ensure stock of napkins, silverware, and glassware.
• Assist in opening and closing duties of the restaurant.
• Follow safety and sanitation procedures and adhere to company policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Table Maintenance & Cleanliness:
  • Clear tables promptly after guests finish their meals, removing all used dishes, glassware, and utensils.
  • Reset tables quickly and accurately with clean utensils, plates, glassware, napkins, and condiments, ensuring tables are prepared for the next guest.
  • Maintain cleanliness in the dining area, including wiping down tables, chairs, and booths as needed.
  • Assist in cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas, such as menus, door handles, and the restrooms, in accordance with health and safety standards.
  • Ensure that dining stations are clean and well-stocked with necessary items, such as condiments, silverware, and napkins.
• Guest Support & Assistance:
  • Assist servers in delivering food and beverages to guests when needed, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of orders.
  • Help servers with refilling drinks, delivering bread or appetizers, and checking in with guests to ensure their satisfaction.
  • Respond to guest requests for additional items or services in a friendly and timely manner.
  • Ensure that guests feel comfortable and are provided with a clean, organized dining environment.
• Work closely with servers, kitchen staff, and other team members to ensure the efficient flow of service and that all guest needs are met.
• Communicate effectively with the rest of the restaurant team, providing assistance where necessary to support service during busy periods.
• Assist in the opening and closing duties of the restaurant, ensuring all tasks are completed properly before and after service.
• Dining Room Organization & Inventory Support:
• Help maintain stock levels of items such as napkins, silverware, and glassware.
• Ensure that the restaurant’s storage areas (e.g., linen closets, supply cabinets) are organized and well-maintained.
• Assist with inventory control and notify management if supplies are running low.
• Safety & Sanitation Standards:
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures, including proper lifting techniques and food safety guidelines.
  • Use appropriate cleaning supplies and ensure they are handled safely.
  • Adhere to all company policies regarding cleanliness and safety to ensure a safe environment for guests and staff.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience as a busser or in a similar support role within a restaurant or hospitality environment is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures in a restaurant setting.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong attention to detail, particularly when it comes to cleanliness and organization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work efficiently with team members and engage with guests as needed.
• Ability to stay focused and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and willingness to assist others when necessary to ensure smooth operations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and move around the dining room for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, including trays, dishes, and supplies.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach to clean and organize the dining area.

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.

Required

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.