Catering Staff (Seasonal)

Snake Oil Cocktail Co.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Snake Oil Cocktail Company is seeking friendly Catering Staff to support private events, brand activations, and venue programs with professional hospitality service. You may serve as bartender, server, bar back, or floor staff depending on event needs.

You will uphold brand standards and teamwork to create exceptional guest experiences. Shifts are event-based in the San Diego area; seasonal opportunities with potential for longer-term roles.

Qualifications

• Prior hospitality, catering, event staffing, restaurant service, or bartending experience preferred.
• Experience in fast-paced customer service environments.
• Ability to follow operational instructions and work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with events, banquets, or catering service strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with cocktail service helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with event preparation and setup including bar stations and service areas.
• Support cocktail and beverage service, maintain bar cleanliness, and manage supplies.
• Provide professional, courteous guest service and respond to requests promptly.
• Coordinate with Event Managers and staff to maintain event flow and efficiency.
• Assist with breakdown, cleanup, and restoring spaces to venue standards.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Catering Staff support the successful execution of private events, brand activations, and venue programs by delivering professional hospitality service, supporting bar and event operations, and assisting with event setup and breakdown.

This role operates within Snake Oil Cocktail Company’s event staffing program and may include assignments as bartender, server, bar back, beverage steward, floor support, or lead service staff depending on event needs and experience level.

Catering Staff represent the Snake Oil brand during events and are responsible for maintaining professionalism, teamwork, and service standards that contribute to exceptional guest experiences.

The position requires strong teamwork, attention to detail, adaptability in dynamic event environments, and the ability to execute event service efficiently under the direction of Event Managers and Bar Managers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Preparation and Setup

• Review event details, service instructions, and BEOs in the Nowsta scheduling platform prior to scheduled shifts
• Arrive prepared and in proper uniform in accordance with company standards
• Assist with event setup including bar stations, service stations, glassware preparation, and event floor preparation
• Follow event diagrams, setup instructions, and direction from Event Managers or Bar Managers
• Ensure all equipment, glassware, and service materials are clean and event ready

Bar and Beverage Operations

• Support cocktail service, wine service, and beverage preparation as assigned
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of bar areas throughout events
• Assist with stocking bar supplies, preparing garnishes, polishing glassware, and maintaining inventory flow
• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and applicable state and local laws

Guest Service and Hospitality

• Provide professional, courteous, and attentive service to guests
• Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to service requests
• Maintain a positive and respectful demeanor with guests, clients, vendors, and fellow staff
• Support overall guest satisfaction and event experience

Event Operations Support

• Communicate clearly with Event Managers and fellow staff members throughout event execution
• Adapt to changes in event timing, service needs, or guest requests
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas during events
• Assist with maintaining overall event flow and operational efficiency

  Event Breakdown and Post Event Duties

  • Assist with breakdown of bar stations, service stations, and event equipment
  • Clean, pack, and properly store materials and equipment
  • Assist with restoring event spaces according to venue standards

  Team Collaboration

  • Work cooperatively with bartenders, servers, event managers, and operational staff
  • Support team members during peak service periods
  • Execute additional duties assigned by Event Managers or operational leadership

  REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Prior experience in hospitality, catering, event staffing, restaurant service, or bartending preferred
  • Experience working in fast paced customer service environments
  • Ability to follow operational instructions and work both independently and as part of a team
  • Experience working events, banquets, or catering service strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with cocktail service or beverage programs helpful but not required

  REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

  • Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification required for alcohol service roles
  • California Food Handler Card may be required depending on role assignment
  • Ability to complete any additional training required for event service roles

  SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY

  • Hourly event based position
  • Shifts scheduled through Nowsta based on event calendar
  • Nights, weekends, and holidays are regularly required due to event schedules
  • Shift hours vary based on event size and operational needs
  • Seasonal opportunity for three months with potential to convert to full-time regular

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods during events
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform physical event setup tasks
  • Ability to work in active event environments including indoor and outdoor venues

  COMPENSATION

  • Pay range is $19.00-$20.00 per hour for seasonal opportunity
  • Employees are compensated for training videos and in-person trainings at $17.75/hr.
  • This role is eligible for the tip pool at events in addition to base pay rate
  • Event based scheduling opportunities

  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

  Snake Oil Cocktail Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on business necessity, merit, and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, California, or local law.

  The Company complies with all applicable employment laws enforced by the California Civil Rights Department and the City of San Diego.

  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT

  Snake Oil Cocktail Company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or selection process may contact Human Resources.

  AT WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER

  Submission of an application does not create a contract of employment or guarantee of continued employment. Any employment relationship established will be at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time with or without cause or notice consistent with applicable law.

  AUTHORIZATION TO WORK

  All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Proof of authorization will be required upon hire.

  BACKGROUND CHECK AND PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

  Where permitted by law and relevant to the role, offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of job related background checks conducted in compliance with the California Fair Chance Act.

  TO ALL STAFFING AND RECRUITING AGENCIES

  This job posting is intended solely for individuals seeking employment directly with the company.

  Staffing agencies, recruiting firms, and third party representatives are not authorized to submit applications, resumes, or candidate information through this site or directly to company employees, hiring managers, or any company location. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited.

  The company does not accept or assume responsibility for fees, commissions, or other charges related to unsolicited resumes or applications. Submission of unsolicited candidate information does not establish an obligation or agreement of any kind.