Event Bartender

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a bartender for the events and banquet teams at the Minneapolis campus. You will greet guests, mix and present drinks, manage bar inventory, and ensure accurate cash handling and POS transactions. A reliable team player with strong customer service is essential.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, basic food & beverage knowledge, TIPs training, and ability to work evenings and weekends. Adherence to safety and alcohol regulations is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of alcoholic beverages.
• TIPs training required before first shift.
• Basic mathematical and computer skills to operate a cash register, make change, total guest checks, and understand portion sizes.
• Ability to read, speak, and understand English to communicate with guests and take orders.
• Exceptional customer service experience.
• Available for evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Maintain proper and adequate bar setup, including inventory updates based on BEO projections.
• Stock, cut, and store fresh fruit, garnishes, juices, and perishables daily.
• Greet guests, promote and document drink orders, mix and present drinks per recipes, and monitor portions.
• Input orders into POS system and handle cash, verify charges, balance money.
• Ensure sanitation in and around the bar area and comply with liquor regulations.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

English proficiency

TIPs training

Food & beverage knowledge

Evenings & weekend availability

Basic math

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Maintains proper and adequate set-up of the bar when scheduled. This includes updating inventory of all beer, wine, spirits, paper products, straws and stirrers, condiments and produce based on projections from Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Responsible for maintaining stock, cutting, and storing of all fresh fruit and vegetable garnishes, juices and other perishables daily to insure product quality.
• Greets guests in a courteous and friendly manner, promotes and documents orders for drinks. Mixes, garnishes and presents drinks using standard ingredient recipes and practicing prudent portion control.
• Inputs orders into a point-of-sale system.
• Receives cash from guests, makes any change needed, verifies validity of charges, records charges, and ensures vouchers (drink tickets) are properly executed, in order to balance all money.
• Responsible for sanitation in and around the bar area.
• Read and understand all particulars of Banquet Event Orders, including start time and beverage requirements.
• After function, remove inventory and all beverage equipment to proper storage.
• Retrieve and store bar glassware to proper storage.
• Work effectively and efficiently with the events team, facilities team, and catering staff.
• Expediently communicate any challenges, guest complaints or requests to the Supervisor.
• Respond to the Supervisor's instructions and directions.
• Observe all safety procedures during the execution of assigned duties.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude towards guests, co-workers and management.
• Arrive at scheduled start time in appropriate uniform and ready to work.
• Must adhere to all State, Federal, and Organizational liquor regulations pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages to ensure all laws are being followed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of various alcoholic beverages.
• Ability to Complete TIPs training before first shift
• Basic mathematical and computer skills necessary to operate a cash register, make change, total guest checks, count total bank, prepare cash drops, total all other charges, and understand portion sizes.
• Ability to read, speak and understand the English language in order to communicate with guests and take orders.
• Exceptional customer service experience
• Available for evenings and weekends

Preferred

• Familiar with Arboretum spaces, personnel, and practices
• Prior bartending experience
• Knowledgeable in drink recipes

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity in hands in order to use a knife, pick up glassware and bottles, scoop ice, mix drinks, and reach overhead to retrieve stock.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.