Banquet Captain

Elawa Farm Foundation

 Event Service Captain

Elawa Farm Foundation’s mission is to steward a historic farm that enriches greater Lake County as a center for experiential learning to broaden access to education, nutritious food, and our local food system. We gather community through food and agriculture with a sustainable farm, café, weekly market, learning kitchen, and educational programming for youth and adults.

Event Service Captain

The Event Service Captain is responsible for overseeing the setup, service, and breakdown of banquet events to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests. They play a key role in managing the banquet staff, setting up the event space, working closely with event planners and other departments, and ensuring that high standards of service and hospitality are maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Coordination: Ensure that all aspects of the event, including setup, food and beverage service, and cleanup, are executed according to the client’s specifications and the EFF standards.
• Staff Supervision: Direct and train a team of banquet servers and other staff members, ensuring that they adhere to service standards and perform their duties efficiently.
• Set-Up and Tear-Down: Oversee the setup of banquet rooms, ensuring tables, chairs, linens, and other items are arranged according to the event's requirements. Supervise the teardown and ensure everything is cleaned up and properly stored.
• Communication: Act as a liaison between clients, event planners, kitchen staff, and management, ensuring all requests and needs are communicated and executed correctly.
• Quality Control: Monitor the quality of food and beverage service, ensuring that all items are presented and served properly.
• Time Management: Ensure that all services, including meal courses, are served in a timely manner and the event runs on schedule.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Ensure all health and safety guidelines are adhered to, including food safety standards and cleanliness of the venue.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 2 Years of Event and/or Banquet Captain or Event/Banquet Service Experience with a minimum of 1-year Captain experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in hospitality or related field preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

• Extensive walking and lifting of small to large trays carrying service and glassware.
• Requires the ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
• Requires the ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist with event space set-up (e.g., moving chairs and tables).

• Event Captains must be available to work our Evening Events May - October. All Evening events take place on Fridays and Saturdays and end at 11 pm – 1 am in the evening.

Compensation:  The hourly rate for this position is $28 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Elawa Farm Foundation does not discriminate in the selection of its staff on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, income, marital status, or any other dimension of identity.

To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Karen McGowan, Event Manager, Elawa Farm Foundation jobs@elawafarm.org by March 28, 2025.