Bartender

“Invest yourself in everything you do. There’s fun in being serious.” – Wynton Marsalis

At Nocturne and La Vie En Rose, hospitality is a sacred and noble enterprise. We seek professionals who take pride in their craft, pursue excellence with intentionality, and contribute to elevated guest experiences. If you approach hospitality casually, we recommend saving your time and applying elsewhere because we invest in those who choose to invest in themselves as professionals.

Position Summary

Bartenders at Nocturne and La Vie En Rose serve a dual role of creation and hospitality. You must master a broad repertoire, uphold standards of excellence, and infuse every drink with intention and care. Whether crafting a classic cocktail, recommending wine or spirits, or shaping the flow of a guest’s evening, your work must elevate the entire experience.

Success in this role requires dedication to learning and earning responsibility. All bartenders begin in the Server Support position, where they are expected to master foundational competencies in service flow, guest interaction, barback responsibilities, and beverage fundamentals. Advancement to full bartender status, including eligibility for the premium service charge pool allocation, occurs only after demonstrated proficiency, reliability, and leadership in these support roles.

This progression ensures that every bartender understands the entire ecosystem of service and contributes from a place of humility, strength, and respect for the team.

Key ResponsibilitiesCraft & Service

• Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages with precision and attention to taste, presentation, and guest experience.
• Execute beverage service with grace and professionalism in high-volume, dynamic environments.
• Guide guests through beverage menus with thoughtful recommendations informed by deep product knowledge.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service at all times, including proper ID checks and adherence to state liquor laws and safety protocols.

Guest & Experience Stewardship

• Engage guests with warmth, curiosity, and professionalism to enhance the overall visit.
• Anticipate needs, manage pacing, and contribute to the rhythm of service throughout the venue.
• Collaborate closely with servers, support staff, hosts, and culinary teams to orchestrate seamless guest journeys.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked bar area that reflects our standards of excellence. 
• Complete all opening, preparation, running, and closing duties per established procedures.
• Monitor inventory, replenish supplies, and communicate par levels and usage trends to leadership. 
• Process payments accurately and responsibly and close out tabs according to company cash-handling policies.

Learning & Professional Development

• Participate in cross-functional training to develop strong support, barback, and service skills before full bartending responsibilities are assumed. 
• Attend pre-shift meetings to stay informed on menu updates, beverage features, guest profiles, and house standards.

Qualifications

• Passion for craft, hospitality, and lifelong learning
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse team members and guests
• Excellent multitasking ability, especially under pressure
• Respect for responsible alcohol service and compliance with legal regulations
• Ability to learn and retain knowledge of menu items, drink specifications, wine details, and the stories behind our beverage program.

Experience & Education

• Previous bartending or bar service experience strongly preferred; hospitality experience required
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• TIPS certification required upon hire
• Additional certifications (e.g., BarSMARTs, WSET, or Certified Sommelier) valued but not required to start in a support role. In order to get promoted to bartender, you will need BarSMARTs and an introductory certification in wine through WSET or Court of Master Sommeliers.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs, up and down stairs to stock items
• Ability to balance items on a tray to deliver liquid-filled glasses to guests
• Visual ability to read menus, POS screens, and bar stock in low-light environments
• Manual dexterity to prepare drinks efficiently and safely
• Ability to work in crowded, high-energy, noise-rich environments

Materials & Equipment Used

POS systems, beverage dispensers, ice machines, cocktail tools and shakers, glassware, bar refrigeration, beverage stock and storage systems.

Compensation & Benefits 

Pay Range:
$20.00 – $23.50 per hour, plus participation in our service charge and gratuity share program. Bartenders receive a premium point allocation in the pool, which typically results in an additional $17 – $30 per hour in earned service charge and gratuities, depending on venue volume and performance. Bartender premium pool allocation is earned upon successful completion of the required Server Support and cross-training pathway.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision plans available)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid sick leave
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Education and training benefits
• Employee dining and experience discounts

Application Process

This role is posted for internal promotion and development and is also visible publicly in alignment with Colorado posting requirements.

Interested candidates may apply online at www.nocturnejazz.com/careers
or submit a resume and letter of interest to [email protected].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.