BARTENDER at GAIA USA LLC – Miami, Florida

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Bartender is responsible for creating an exceptional guest experience through seamless beverage service in the bar, lounge, and restaurant. This role oversees all aspects of beverage preparation, presentation, and service, while managing bar inventories and ensuring product quality. The Bartender works in partnership with the Bar Manager, Assistant Bar Manager, and service team, with the support of a Barback, to deliver a polished and memorable dining experience that reflects GAIA’s service standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Deliver attentive and personalized service to guests in the bar and restaurant, ensuring all beverages meet GAIA’s presentation and quality standards.
• Prepare, mix, and serve cocktails, wines, and beverages with precision and consistency.
• Maintain full knowledge of beverage offerings, pairings, and menu items; assist guests with recommendations.
• Monitor the guest experience, addressing requests, inquiries, or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Complete all mise-en-place before, during, and after each shift to ensure the bar is fully prepared.
• Ensure all items are correctly entered and charged in accordance with financial policies.
• Support cost control by monitoring wastage, tracking beverage margins, and upselling where appropriate.
• Collaborate with servers and bar staff to guarantee smooth and efficient service.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safe practices in the bar area at all times.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with beverage ordering and participate in regular stock counts and inventories.
• Report low stock levels, maintenance issues, or health and safety concerns promptly to management.
• Participate in training programs to expand product knowledge and maintain industry-leading standards.
• Support colleagues during peak periods and assist with operational duties as required.
• Keep the bar area clean and tidy at all times.
• Operate safe practices to protect the safety of staff and guests.
• Conduct and document temperature recordings as required.
• Undertake operational duties as reasonably required to ensure guest expectations are met.
• Support business needs and personal development by completing tasks assigned by management.
• Maintain understanding of the venue’s financial performance and contribute to cost-control efforts.
• Attend all required trainings and demonstrate competency in assessments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support GAIA’s service excellence and operational goals.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

• Shows integrity in all interactions and upholds GAIA’s values.
• Is open to constructive feedback and comfortable admitting mistakes.
• Delivers consistent communication across all levels.
• Demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and ethical judgment.
• Honors commitments and follows through to completion.
• Can be relied upon to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time.
• Notifies leadership promptly if unable to meet commitments.
• Consistently delivers high-quality work.
• Actively seeks opportunities for skill development and growth.
• Participates in training and pursues improvement based on feedback.
• Seeks mentorship and proactively asks for guidance.
• Adapts behavior to support team and operational needs.
• Listens openly, collaborates effectively, and engages in productive conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and empathy with guests and team members.
• Anticipates guest needs and strives to exceed expectations.
• Handles feedback with professionalism and ensures timely resolution.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Prior experience in luxury hospitality, fine dining, or craft cocktail bartending preferred.
• Strong knowledge of mixology, spirits, wine, and beverage service standards.
• Excellent communication and guest-service skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Certification such as ServSafe or equivalent preferred.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt to operational changes and follow established procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and move throughout the bar and restaurant areas for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours per shift).
• Regularly required to reach, bend, stoop, and lift or carry items up to 25 pounds (such as cases of bottles, kegs, ice, and bar supplies).
• Must be able to safely handle glassware, equipment, and hot or cold beverages.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required for accurate pouring and mixing of drinks.
• Ability to hear and communicate clearly in a busy environment, both verbally and through active listening.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced luxury hospitality environment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Exposure to varying temperatures and bar-related equipment.
• Requires schedule flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Possible exposure to cleaning agents, alcohol, and standard bar-operation materials.