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Bartender Job Description Template

A ready to edit bartender job description covering drinks, guests, the bar and the till. Copy it, fill in the brackets, or have HRStak draft one for your company.

Free to use. No account needed to copy the template.

Quick answer. A bartender posting works when it states the style of bar, the drink menu and how pay and tips work. Bartenders want to know whether the bar is a high volume cocktail room, a neighborhood pub or a hotel lounge, and what training and licensing you expect. The template below covers these and leaves pay and local requirements in brackets for you.

§01 Template

The bartender job description, ready to edit.

Copy the text, then fill in each highlighted bracket. A bracket marks a blank only you can fill, such as the pay, the hours or who the role reports to.

Want a version written for your company? Draft it in the free generator, prefilled with this role.

Template

Bartender

About the role

[Venue name] is hiring a Bartender for our [type of bar, such as cocktail bar, pub, restaurant bar or hotel lounge] in [city]. You will mix and serve drinks, welcome guests at the bar and keep the bar stocked, clean and running smoothly. You will report to [the bar manager or general manager] and work with about [number] other bar and floor staff.

Responsibilities

  • Greet guests at the bar, take drink orders and make drinks to the venue's recipes and pour standards.
  • Prepare drinks for servers and track tickets so orders go out in the right sequence.
  • Recommend drinks, explain the menu and help guests choose, including [non alcoholic options or specials].
  • Check guests for signs of intoxication and follow the venue's rules for alcohol service.
  • Take payment, open and close tabs and balance your till at the end of the shift.
  • Stock the bar with spirits, beer, wine, garnish, ice and glassware before and during service.
  • Count inventory, report low stock and help with ordering through [your ordering process].
  • Keep the bar, equipment and glassware clean and organized.
  • Check identification according to the venue's policy and local rules.

Requirements

  • [Number] or more years of bartending experience in a bar of similar volume.
  • Knowledge of classic cocktails, beer, wine and the spirits your menu uses.
  • Ability to work quickly and stay friendly during a rush.
  • Comfortable standing for long shifts and lifting kegs or cases up to [weight] pounds.
  • Availability for [late nights, weekends and holidays].
  • [Alcohol service license, certification or minimum age your location requires].

Nice to have

  • Experience with craft cocktails, infusions or [a specialty your bar offers].
  • Familiarity with [your point of sale system].
  • Experience with bar inventory and ordering.
  • Experience hosting events or private parties.

Pay, schedule and benefits

Hours: [days and hours, onsite, hybrid or remote]. Pay: [pay range or rate]. Benefits: [short summary]. Equal opportunity statement: [use the wording your HR or legal advisor provides].

§02 Make it yours

Three decisions that make this posting specific to you.

Describe the bar and the volume

A craft cocktail room, a sports pub and a hotel lounge ask for different skills. Say what the bar serves, how busy it gets and whether the bartender works alone or with a barback.

State how tips and pay work

Bartenders usually earn a base wage plus tips, and rules on tip credits and pools vary by location. Check what applies where you hire and give the base pay and tip details in the bracketed pay field.

Cover licenses and service rules

Alcohol service training, permits and minimum ages differ by location. Add a bracket for what your area expects and say whether you pay for the course.

§03 Levels

How the bartender posting changes by level.

Adjust the template for the level you are hiring. These are common patterns, so match them to how your own team defines each level.

LevelCommon titlesWhat changes in the posting
EntryBarback, Bar Assistant, Junior BartenderStocks the bar, preps garnish and ice, cleans glassware and makes simple drinks under supervision.
MidBartender, Cocktail Bartender, Service BartenderRuns the bar through service, makes the full menu, handles guests and cash and keeps the bar stocked.
SeniorHead Bartender, Lead Bartender, Bar ManagerBuilds the drink menu, trains bartenders, manages inventory and ordering and handles scheduling and vendor relationships.

§04 Mistakes

Mistakes to cut from a bartender posting.

Not saying what kind of bar it is

Candidates choose between a pub and a cocktail program quickly. A line on the style and volume of your bar brings the right applicants.

Leaving out license and age rules

Alcohol service rules differ by location. Add the bracket for what applies, and say who covers the cost of any required course.

Skipping the working interview

Pouring, speed and guest manner show up behind the bar. Tell finalists you will ask them to make a few drinks, and what to expect.

§05 Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What does a bartender do?

A bartender makes and serves drinks, takes payment, keeps the bar stocked and clean and welcomes guests. Bartenders also follow the venue's rules for responsible alcohol service.

What skills should a bartender have?

Drink knowledge, speed, friendly conversation, cash handling and good judgment about guests. Name the style of drinks you serve so applicants can match their experience.

What is the difference between a bartender and a barback?

A bartender mixes and serves drinks. A barback supports the bar by stocking, cleaning and prepping. Barbacks often move up to bartender after training.

Does a bartender need a license?

Alcohol service licenses, training and minimum ages vary by location. Check what applies where you hire and fill in the bracket in the template.

How do tips work for bartenders?

Practice varies. Some bars pay a base wage plus kept tips, and others pool tips. State your approach in the bracketed pay field and check local rules.

§06 Next

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Notice. This is a drafting aid, not legal advice. Review it before use, and check local rules with a qualified advisor where needed.

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