The Food & Beverage Server is primarily responsible for serving and catering to the needs and service of guests throughout various parts of the food and beverage department. Duties and tasks are assigned by the Food & Beverage Manager but can include: beverage service, dining and bar prep work, table, lounge, showroom or buffet service, taking and delivering food orders and/or assisting other department employees with their service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for table set up, preparation, clearing of all tables, as well as food and wine service at assigned tables for all meals.
• Approach all passengers in a courteous and friendly manner with a smile and respect.
• Stand alert, focused and attentive at his/her station prepared for passengers when they enter the room
• Ensure Guests feel welcome by greeting them and showing them to their seats.
• Serve all guests at one table at the same time in accordance with departmental training and protocol.
• Assists in gathering all dirty dishware and bring to the dish room for cleaning, up to and including stacking and scraping, if necessary
• Assists in receiving food items and non-food supplies and storing them in the proper areas in accordance with the FIFO (first in-first out) inventory method
• Responsible for assisting waiters with bussing each course throughout service.
• Assigned to help reset tables after each service.
• Assists with bread, wine, and all beverage service throughout all meals.
• Perform all work in a safe manner and follow all safety rules
• Maintain high level of sanitation and cleanliness in all dining areas and BOH areas like the dish area.
• Attend all daily line-up meetings and various department meetings
• Adhere to the order of service as designated by the Food & Beverage Manager
• Establish a good working attitude and is cooperative with all other department staff
• Ensure the proper set-up of all workstations
• Courteously and efficiently deliver, sells and/or serve food/beverage items to guests
• Relay orders to, as well as serve items from, kitchen and/or bar.
• Prior to service, do a walk through to ensure all tables and bar areas are clean and ready for service.
• Responsible for assisting in bar service and beverage sales in and outside the respective bar
• Provide descriptions, preparation methods, basic ingredients, common allergens of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to guests
• Has understanding and recipe knowledge of all drinks and mixer is able to identify beverages consistently
• Constantly upholds policy regarding serving liquor; upholds liquor-serving laws and never serves to minors or crewmembers
• Ensure that the brand ordered by the passenger is served unless unavailable; ensure that a suitable substitute is offered, suggests an upsell when applicable
• Offer proper menu, deliver beverages with the proper glass, napkin, coaster, and garnitures for each drink
• Adhere to company policy for properly accounting of all alcoholic beverages being served collects signatures, as needed
• Responsible for maintaining all food service locations, bars, lounges, and pantries for an efficient service to the passengers
• Maintain, clean, and polish utensils, equipment, and tools as directed.
• Maintain a sanitary work area, clean and free of clutter, especially about company policy and Food and Drug Administration sanitation requirements. Work areas include dining room, alternative dining areas, lounges, theaters, self-service areas, and bar areas
• Perform stores handling and loading of food stores and liquor orders onto vessel as directed on vessel turnover days
• Practice food safety procedures as directed by the Food & Beverage Manager
• Follows the Inventory Control and Food Storage Procedures without any prior notice
• Responsible for assisting with waste disposal
• Set-up and breakdown of private parties and special activities.
• Ensures all guests in all service areas (bar, cocktail, dining rooms) receive prompt and full service
• Cleans counters, buffets, tables, chairs and other as needed, sets tables, and chairs in orderly positions and keeps the entire area clean and tidy at all times.
• Polish chafing dishes, silverware, glasses, mirrors and all else needing to be spot-free.
• Offers bread and beverage service to passengers in all dining areas
• Proper arrangement of dining room table and chairs, including proper condiments
• Expedite food from galley to wait staff in dining area and assist wait staff in delivering and serving
• Vacuum and clean all dining areas.
• Assist in gathering all dirty dishware and bring to the dish room for cleaning. Stacking and scraping if necessary.
• Assist in receiving food items and non-food supplies and storing them in the proper areas in accordance with the FIFO first in-first out) inventory method
• Fill station bill requirements and participate in drills regarding guest safety.
• Promotes good business principles by never discussing company business in public areas with fellow crewmembers or passengers.
• Help other crewmembers and departments to contribute to the best overall operation of the Company
• Participate in onboard events and special functions, as needed, to support food & beverage operations (i.e. pass canapes, beverages, etc.)
• Actively participates in embarking duties such as loading, unloading, luggage carrying, etc., as needed
• Participate and ensure participation of all USCG mandated drills and emergency procedures as directed
• Performs other duties if required since above stated describe only a regular working day and may not be inclusive of every task needed to achieve results

Requirements & Qualifications

Education:

• HS Diploma or Equivalent Required
• Professional Certification(s) or License: Valid ServeSafe Food Handler and a ServSafe Alcohol Server certification or ability to acquire and maintain
• TABC Permit (Server Permit)
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) – if applicable, and/or ability to obtain and maintain
• Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
• Valid Driver's License

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to interact with individuals at all levels in a pleasant and professional manner
• Proficiency with MS Office applications and POS systems
• Proficient (advanced preferred) knowledge of fine wine, wine programs/tastings/pairings
• Ability to train and supervise others

Experience:

• At least two years of experience in position with similar duties and responsibilities
• Experience in supervising and training employees
• Cruise industry experience preferred

Physical:

• Must submit to and pass mandated USCG physical
• Ability to meet and maintain the maximum onboard bunk bed capacity of 300 lbs.
• Ability to conduct work in a marine environment that is subject to some/all the following: confined spaces, uneven surfaces, variations in temperature, wake, and motion
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders

Other:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing.
• Compensation starts at $75/day worked + gratuities and increases to $100/day worked + gratuities after 90 days

Our Values - RESPECT:

At City Experiences and American Queen Voyages, our mission is to create amazing experiences – not only for our guests, but our employees. Our company values (RESPECT) allow us to live out our mission of creating amazing experiences.

RESPECT stands for: Respect, Environment, Safety First, Professionalism, Exceed, Communication and Teamwork.

• Additional requirements may be required depending on the physical needs of the role

EEO - Equal Opportunity Employment

The Company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicants or employees based upon their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics prohibited by applicable law.

Additionally, we encourage all qualified applicants including those with past arrest or conviction records to apply. The Company participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

Licenses & Certifications

• ServeSafe
• Alcohol Bev License