What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Barback position at Shelburne Farms?
Position Title: Barback
Supervisor: Farm Food and Beverage Services Manager
Employee Status: Seasonal, Full-time hours
Exemption: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Location: On-site (99 Inn Road, Shelburne, VT 05482)
Start & End Date: April 28 -October 31, 2025 (required onboarding & training in late April and early May)
Pay rate: $10/hour tips
Work Schedule: 4-5 shifts/week, 3:00 pm-10:30 pm, including weekends and holidays. We operate 7 days/week from May - October.
Who We Are
Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We believe that transformative learning experiences sow the seeds for a thriving and more just world. Our work seeks to create the space, spark the conversations, and share the stories to inspire educators, students, and learners of all ages to build a better future for everyone.
We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.
Who We’re Looking for
You are passionate about working for a restaurant that is an integral part of the Farm’s mission by providing a space where the community can come together to enjoy delicious and thoughtfully sourced drinks and meals. You have strong communication skills and enjoy interacting with and welcoming a diverse range of guests, visitors and community members. You thrive in a team environment, collaborating effectively with colleagues to ensure a seamless dining and beverage experience.
What You’ll Do
Guest Experience:
- Greet and engage with guests in a friendly and professional manner.
- Support the Bartender with offering information to guests about the drink ingredients and preparation methods.
- Assist bartenders during peak hours by taking drink orders and inputting them into the POS system (point-of-sale).
Operational Excellence & Sustainability Practices:
- Maintain a clean and organized bar area, including restocking glassware, napkins, straws, and other supplies.
- Replenish ice bins and keep bar stations stocked with liquor, beer, and other beverages.
- Prepare garnishes for cocktails, such as lime wedges, lemon slices, and fruit skewers.
- Wash, polish, and sanitize glassware.
- Proper setup and breakdown of the bar each night.
- Assist with setting up and breaking down events.
- Handle payments and transactions accurately.
- Understanding and promoting sustainable practices such as accurate order taking to minimize waste, follow the organization’s recycling and composting practices, and highlight local and seasonal ingredients.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Communicate effectively and with warmth with a diverse range of guests, supporting a welcoming environment.
- Discuss any questions and concerns with the Bartender or Dining Room Manager to quickly resolve any issues that arise during service.
- Collaborate with kitchen and restaurant staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Be able to adapt to changing situations and work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Share knowledge and stories about the farm, our programs, and products with guests, helping to inspire and connect their restaurant experience with the whole organization.
Core Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Additional Valued Qualifications
- Familiarity with a Point of Sales (POS) system.
- Knowledge of beverage preparation and service standards is helpful but not essential.
- Ability to complete the Certification in responsible alcohol service (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe). You will complete this upon hire (required for anyone handling alcohol).
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Being active for extended periods of time and working in settings with limited air conditioned work environments depending on the location.
- Fast-paced work environment.
- Carrying and moving items up/down stairs and over uneven terrain, weighing up to 40 lbs.
- Indoor and outdoor work environment.
- Moving over uneven terrain.
- Maintaining a tidy shared workspace.
Benefits
- Seasonal staff benefit summary here for 2025 benefits.
To Apply
If our vision and mission excite you, we hope you will share with us your experience and skill set that you feel would qualify you to make a contribution to the Farm.
In your application, please include responses to the following questions. These are not meant to be a writing exercise but to introduce yourself in a meaningful way.
In your application, please include a response to the following:
Tell us about your unique characteristics and life experience that will help you thrive in this role.- How did you hear about this role?
Shelburne Farms is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we strongly stand against discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
If you need accommodations throughout the application process or have general questions, please contact us at jobs@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-8686.
3:00 pm-10:30 pm; 4 - 5 shifts/week, including weekends and holidays (May - October)
Salary : $10
