Beertender at the Lab
[NOW HIRING]
The Beertender position serves as the public “face” of and a brand ambassador for Delta Beer Lab. A Beertender is responsible for ensuring that the company’s ideals are communicated and exhibited through guest experiences. This position is required to represent Delta Beer Lab in a professional and inclusive manner to ensure guests feel welcomed and part of an engaged community.
This non-exempt, hourly position directly reports to the Right Hand, but will take direction and receive additional supervision from the Chief Beer Officer.
A Beertender is a quality-focused self-starter with a team mentality. The individual in this role will have a passion for and a fundamental understanding of craft beer and its culture. A Beertender builds sustainable guest relationships through open and interactive communication. This position allows the individual the opportunity to craft change.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for folks who have a passion for and fundamental understanding of craft beer and its culture, a great work ethic, and a positive attitude; and who are quality-focused, and embody inclusive and diverse ideals. Our beertenders will be self-starting and independent problem solvers, yet always keep the team in mind.
Staff must be over 21 and able to work nights, weekends, some holidays, and special events as needed. Interacting with and educating guests about craft beer is expected. Beer serving and craft beer knowledge is a must; learn all about our production process, and explain the differences between available beers. Knowing current trends of the craft beer industry, including hop, grain, and yeast choices is also encouraged. Our staff must be open minded and welcoming of all people.
Primary Job Duties
A Beertender is responsible for the following primary job duties. Other duties not described below may be assigned, as needed.
Complete processes to open taproom and other operations, if scheduled for an opening shift.
Ensure supplies are adequately stocked in the taproom and restroom. This includes any required cleaning products for guest use.
Welcome guests to the taproom for in-person or carryout sales.
Provide information to guests about seating options inside or outside the taproom.
Interact with guests, including asking questions about beer preferences, or educating guests in general about craft beer and about current Delta Beer Lab products. This may include offering small samples (e.g., splash) to assist guests in making decisions or making recommendations based on guest preferences.
Answer questions about products, services, and Delta Beer Lab events.
Educate guests about Delta Beer Lab’s monthly Nonprofit Partner and how the company handles tipping and donations. This includes doing research about the monthly Nonprofit Partner to understand their mission and their community impacts.
Verify the identification and age of customers using company practices.
Serve beer using effective taproom pouring techniques to minimize waste.
Inquire with guests about opening a tab or completing the transaction at the time of service.
Open, maintain, and close customer tabs using the company’s Menu and Point of Sale systems.
Interact with and support other team members.
Inquire with guests about their experience and if other products/services are needed.
Resolve product or service issues by clarifying guest’s needs, determining the cause of the issue, identifying a solution to the issue, and effectively resolving the issue.
Restock coolers with products. Notify management of low stock quantity, if applicable.
Change kegs when existing kegs are empty. Follow necessary protocols in changing kegs.
Clean glasses and other taproom utensils by loading and unloading the dishwasher to maintain an adequate stock or clean by hand.
Clean tables and chairs after guests depart or when needed/required.
Clean bathrooms following all company cleaning protocols, including any additional processes due to emergency situations or with hazardous materials.
Answer incoming telephone calls and provide information/answers to callers, as appropriate.
Promptly return from breaks to resume providing service to guests.
Answer questions from guests about reserving the taproom or brewery for events. This could include collecting information from guests and referring to management for response.
Assist other team members in planning events, as needed. Ensure the needs of event hosts are met.
Organize and restock merchandise.
Interact with guests upon departure, including thanking them and ensuring they enjoyed their experience.
Close operations of the taproom following established protocols. This includes completing final cleaning processes, completing final paperwork, ensuring financial transactions are closed out, equipment is secure, all doors are locked, etc.
Assess guest behaviors relating to over-service or interfering with the experience of other guests and take necessary actions learned in training. This could include cutting off service from a guest, asking a guest to leave the premises, etc.
Work in the taproom alone, including opening and closing operations. Be comfortable and familiar with protocols and procedures if emergencies or safety issues occur.
Follow all policies and procedures identified in the Employee Handbook and provided in training.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Requirements
Individuals in the Beertender position must be able to perform/meet the following essential functions physical requirements:
Ability to obtain and maintain a responsible alcohol service certification
Ability to lift 175 pounds with or without another staff member
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to walk, crouch, kneel, crawl, or bend
Ability to push, pull, and reach
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands and/or wrists
Ability to use hands to grasp, handle, or feel
Ability to talk and hear to interact with guests
Required Skills and Abilities
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to start and maintain conversations with all guests
Excellent listening and retention skills
Ability to provide effective experiences to guests
Ability to be open minded and accept opinions and feedback from others
Ability to maintain a positive attitude
Excellent analytical skills
Ability to independently solve problems
Ability to learn and retain knowledge/information about craft beer, Delta Beer Lab products, and general brewery operations
Ability to educate and provide information to guests about beer and beer production
Excellent work ethic and ability to be a self-starter
Excellent time management skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Ability to maintain focus on tasks and responsibilities
Working knowledge and skill in mathematics to accurately maintain guest tabs and for cash transactions
Strong skills in using computers, electronic systems, and applications
Ability to maintain calm during high pressure situations
A Different Kind of Company
Our guests will not be allowed to tip staff (any tips will be donated to our current partner organization). In lieu of tips and the Federal minimum wage, Delta Beer Lab is committed to:
Provide at least the Madison living wage,
Offer a revenue sharing program,
Combined wages have averaged $14-16 per hour, whether we’re busy or slow on any given night
Contribute to health insurance for full time staff,
Offer paid time off (full time),
Shift beer, discounted beer (off-shift) and merchandise,
Opportunity to craft change
* * * * *