Server

Hornblower Corp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Hornblower Corp. is seeking an onboard Server who will deliver exceptional hospitality, greet guests, and serve food and beverages in a timely manner. The role requires standing for long periods, lifting items, and maintaining service areas in a dynamic cruise environment.

You will assist with seating, provide menu information, and handle onboard payments with accuracy. Qualified candidates have a high school diploma, prior high-volume restaurant experience, and comfort with POS systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year experience in high-volume restaurant preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift items up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and serve meals and drinks promptly.
• Take accurate orders and enter them into the POS system (TOAST).
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of service areas and stations.
• Provide information on menu items, cruise route, and points of interest.
• Assist with seating guests and coordinating dining room flow.
• Handle payments and process transactions for onboard purchases.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Microsoft Office

Point-of-sale knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

TOAST POS

Job description

Position Summary:

The successful Server is technically competent in serving food and beverages, is hospitable and cordial to guests and coworkers, acts safely and responsibly, and is knowledgeable about the vessel and the skyline.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in our service systems, RESPECT.
• Greet guests and serve food and beverages in a timely fashion.
• Accurately take orders and enter them into the point-of-sale system. (TOAST)
• Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas and service stations.
• Participate in the celebration and entertainment experience of the guest.
• Set up and break down dining room and service stations as prescribed; this requires movement of dining cabin furniture.
• Accurately collect payment from guests for on-board purchases.
• Provide information to guests including menu descriptions, order of service, entertainment options, cruise route and points of interest.
• Be prepared to begin work at the scheduled time.
• Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
• Assist with the warm and efficient greeting and seating of guests when they arrive.
• Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year experience in high volume restaurant preferred.
• Will work for extended periods without sitting.
• Required to lift furniture and other heavy items such as dishes up and down stairs.
• Must meet minimum state age requirements.
• Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.
• Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
• Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
• Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
• Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
• Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
• Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.
• Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
• Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
• Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
• Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.