Lead Server

Enso-Village; Healdsburg (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Life & Disability Insurance

403(b) with employer match

Paid time off

Healthy meals

Professional development

Job summary

Enso Village is seeking a Front of House Lead Server to support dining room operations for residents and guests. You will assist the Dining Room Manager in coordinating service, manage bar operations, and mentor team members to ensure a welcoming, high‑quality dining experience.

The role requires 2+ years in Front of the House, strong English communication, and availability for evenings, weekends and holidays. A high school diploma is required, and POS familiarity is expected.

Qualifications

• Two years of Front of House experience; prior food service preferred.
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example to motivate FOH staff and ensure smooth dining room operations.
• Coordinate dining room service, bar operations, and administrative tasks with the Dining Room Manager.
• Greet, seat and assist residents and guests; ensure accurate order delivery and timely clearing of tables.
• Maintain knowledge of menu and preparation methods; respond to guest questions.
• Train and mentor new hires; communicate menu updates and specials.
• Ensure safety, sanitation and compliance with health policies during service.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Training & mentoring

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Enso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation—an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders—and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

Enso Village is informed by a set of nine Guiding Principles. These are based on the awareness that we are all connected. We share a commitment to compassion and strive to pay careful attention to the details of everyday life.

As America’s first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other place you have ever worked. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.

The Role

The Front of House (FOH) Lead Server plays a dual role in supporting exceptional dining experiences for our residents and guests. As the Lead Server, you will assist the Dining Room Manager in coordinating dining room operations, managing bar services, and completing administrative tasks. You will also lead by example, motivate team members, and ensure seamless execution of daily operations. In your server capacity, you will create a welcoming and memorable experience while delivering exceptional food and beverage service.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership & Coordination

• Coordinate and participate in providing courteous service to ensure a pleasant dining experience consistent with Enso Village policies and "Steps of Service."
• Act as a role model and motivator for the team, guiding the vision and ensuring smooth execution of plans.
• Provide training and mentoring to new hires and develop a comprehensive understanding of all Front of House roles.
• Attend pre-shift meetings, inform staff of specials, and ensure menu updates and assignments are communicated effectively.
• Ensure banquet event orders (BEOs) are executed accurately and communicate with the Back of House (BOH) team as needed.
• Update the Server Information Board with current offerings and assignments.
• Monitor phone answering protocols, ensuring calls are answered promptly (within three rings).

Dining Room Operations

• Greet and seat residents and guests promptly and courteously.
• Oversee table and station setup before meal periods, ensuring proper setup and sanitized chairs.
• Inspect tables and ensure all silverware, glassware, and other items are clean and polished.
• Address spills or hazards immediately to maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including setting up and breaking down the dining area and completing side work.
• Maintain full knowledge of the menu and preparation methods to answer guest questions.
• Guide residents and guests through their dining experience, ensuring satisfaction from start to finish.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately.
• Clear and clean tables as needed, ensuring a tidy dining area throughout service.
• Collaborate with management and team members to address guest needs and resolve issues promptly.

Additional Responsibilities

• Continually strive to improve team performance and enhance customer service
• Assist in maintaining a high level of satisfaction for residents and their guests.
• Perform other duties as required by management.

Position Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of two years in "Front of the House" operations; prior food service experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with POS systems; Food Handler certification required.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Leadership: Experience in training, mentoring, and leading a team is highly desirable.
• Availability: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
• Frequent bending, stooping, and stretching, especially in tight spaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and hold up to 50 pounds.

As a responsible organization, Enso Village is committed to maintaining a secure, drug-free work environment. All candidates must undergo a background check and drug testing as part of the hiring process to ensure the well-being of our team and guests.

Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The hourly pay for this position ranges from $27.00 - $30.00 per hour, non-tipped. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.

We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well‑being. Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long‑term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.

We value applicants of all different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications), we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request accommodation.

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.