Lead Bartender
215 Broadway N
Fargo, ND · On-site
About this role
Lead Bartender
WHO YOU ARE
Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to creating the perfect concoction. You spend your days or nights working behind the bar tirelessly crafting perfectly balanced drinks, making wine recommendations, and building relationships with guests, which comes natural to you. You enjoy spending your off time reading up on spirits, history of cocktails, and cruising the Instagram accounts of the best bars in the world or finding new drink recipes. It is also quite possible you have been learning juggle shakers in front of a mirror. You pride yourself on cultivating your regular guest base and love that you are the face they want to see, whether they are happy and want to celebrate or just need to see a familiar friendly face after a rough day. You become a name our guests recognize, remember, and return to. You are welcoming and embody gracious hospitality at all times.
THE ROLE
The Lead Bartender reports to the Restaurant General Manager and plays a key leadership role within the food & beverage team, working collaboratively with barbacks, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cooks, and chefs. This position requires a strong foundation in advanced bartending techniques, the ability to manage time and workflow seamlessly, and expert-level knowledge of beverages and cocktails.
As Lead Bartender, you are not only responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, but also for setting the standard for excellence behind the bar. You will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and hospitality in every interaction. Your role extends beyond making great drinks—you will mentor and train your fellow bartenders, ensuring consistency, creativity, and high standards of service across the team. You will actively foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
You will be expected to have in-depth menu knowledge, allowing for the safe and informed service of guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. You will also collaborate on seasonal cocktail menus, contributing to the creativity and evolution of the beverage program.
Our service team members are expected to be reliable, responsible, and professional. You will arrive polished, prepared, and ready to lead by example, ensuring that your team operates with efficiency and confidence. We emphasize a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, where we treat our colleagues with the same care and hospitality as our guests—offering a smile, a helping hand, and a willingness to support in any situation.
Additionally, you will actively foster trusting and transparent relationships with your fellow service team members and associates throughout the hotel. As part of Aparium Hotel Group, you will work with an inspiring team that values collaboration, humility, experience, and an open mind—no egos allowed. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining a positive, professional, and guest-focused atmosphere behind the bar.
Evenings and weekends are required. Pay is $15/hr + tips.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead by example, setting the tone for impeccable service, professionalism, and efficiency.
- Be an ambassador of the Jasper Hotel, sharing the stories behind our cocktails, ingredients, and the vibrant local culture.
- Provide knowledgeable recommendations to guests, whether it’s a handcrafted cocktail, rare spirit, or perfect wine pairing.
- Ensure safe, responsible, and legal alcohol service, maintaining compliance with all regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace, treating the bar as a stage for guest experience.
- Assist in the creation of seasonal cocktail menus and update bartending binders with product information sheets and cocktail recipes.
- Facilitate ongoing staff training with education on beer, wine, and spirits.
- Batch cocktails and house-made ingredients, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality while optimizing prep time.
- Work closely with the F&B and Culinary teams to create seamless service and ensure timely food and drink delivery.
- Ensure bar products, keg cooler, liquor and wine room are well-stocked, organized, and maintained.
- Monitor guest requests for specific liquor, beer, and wine selections, and provide feedback to management on trending preferences to evaluate potential additions to the inventory or menu.
- Ensure bar prep items are at proper par levels and communicate bar needs (dry goods, tools, produce) to the Bar Manager.
- Maintain, follow, and update all bar checklists, including daily opening and closing procedures.
- Prepare end-of-night closing checklists, reports, and sign out other associates in the absence of a manager.
- Ensure proper storage and inventory of products by following FIFO (First In, First Out) and dating procedures.
- Train, mentor, and support bartenders and barbacks to uphold consistency, quality, and efficiency.
- Participate in daily pre-shift meetings and monthly staff meetings, offering insights, feedback, and strategies for improvement.
- Prepare and serve beverages for servers and guests in a speedy, efficient, and professional manner.
- Carry trays, bus, and reset tables with the appropriate items as needed.
- Communicate maintenance Issues or repairs to Management or Maintenance Department.
- Step in and support other areas of F&B, including banquets, in-room dining, café, and restaurant operations.
- Uphold and model the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character by being proud of who we are, where we come from, and who we serve.
- The Jasper Hotel and Aparium Hotel Group are smoke-free, drug-free workplaces and equal opportunity employers.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Passion for the People, Place and Culture of our community, love of Restaurants and Guest Service also required
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a bartender in either a free-standing or hotel restaurant or bar.
- TiPS Alcohol service certification and SafeStaff Certificate of Completion, or ability to obtain such within 30 days of hire
- Must meet local age requirements in order to serve alcohol
- Available to work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends and holidays
- Fluency in English both verbally and non-verbally
Additional Requirements:
- Continuous standing and walking and negotiating wet tile floor and steps
- Fine motor coordination is needed to pour beverages, decorate cocktails and folding napkins
- Standing and walking is continuous for 4-5 hours at a time
- Lifting and carrying 30 lb. tray, crate or box is occasional
- Negotiating varied floor surfaces is continuous
- Carrying over shoulder is occasional
- Hand and elbow movements for polishing glassware, silver, setting up tables, shacking, pouring and mixing drinks
- Excellent sight and balance needed for negotiating varied floor surfaces
- Handling lighted candles, and handling hot fluids (coffee and tea)
- Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport beverage goods inventory, equipment, etc.
- Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport beverage inventory, equipment, etc.
- Must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers (-10F) and kitchens (+110F)
WHO WE ARE
Hotels done differently. It’s not just a slogan or catchphrase, it is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place and Character; ensuring our properties are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated as a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities in which we operate; elevating our associates’ pride in who they are, where they live and who we serve.
The Jasper Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Fargo, ND. It serves as a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors, offering upscale accommodations, exceptional dining, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the city's culture and charm. Its central location makes it a prime spot for exploring Fargo’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The property features 125 guest rooms, over 6,000 square feet of banquet space, Rosewild Restaurant, a signature lobby lounge, and a café.
Jasper Hotel is managed by Aparium Hotel Group which was founded in 2011 by Chicago hospitality executive and entrepreneur Mario Tricoci and luxury hotel veteran Kevin Robinson. The duo saw a clear need for a company that could bring c-suite service and accommodations to underserved, yet distinct and important cities, while maintaining and celebrating the unadulterated character of each. Driven by the belief that all hospitality experiences should be fueled by the poetics of their surroundings, Aparium was born with an intense focus on unearthing the amazing moments unique to every city.
Since its founding, Aparium has grown into a new kind of hotel brand, one that ventures off the beaten path, both geographically and philosophically. It is a sophisticated hotel brand known for its singular ability to combine the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels, bringing the disparate forces together in bustling, smaller markets.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from and take pride in who we serve.
Company at a glance
Named to Travel + Leisure's list of Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World for 2024, Aparium Hotel Group is a management company that believes luxury is no longer defined by the number of stars a property has, but by the uncommon service delivered and the lasting impression left with its guests. A strong concept is not enough to sustain growth and elicit loyalty from an ever-demanding consumer. Aparium Hotel Group was formed with one seminal belief - great hotels are a destination.
Our hotels deliver Translocal Hospitality, drawing inspiration from the local culture and cultivating local ambassadors through a sense of pride and exciting food & beverage.
We understand great hotels. We’ve owned them, developed them, managed and marketed them. We believe there is no standard formula to successful hospitality, rather a philosophy and framework that delivers long-term returns for hotel owners and unforgettable hotel experiences for its guests.
Current properties
Crossroads Hotel (Kansas City, MO)
Detroit Foundation Hotel (Detroit, MI)
Hewing Hotel (Minneapolis, MN)
Hotel Haya (Ybor City, Tampa, FL)
Populus (Denver, CO)
Populus (Seattle, WA)
Hotel Heron (Alexandria, VA)
Jasper Hotel (Fargo, ND)
Surety Hotel (Des Moines, IA)
Hotel Granada (Atlanta, GA)
Clayton Members Club & Hotel (Denver, CO)
Founded2011
Team Size1,001-5,000 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryHospitality
Location
Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Websiteaparium.com
LinkedInLinkedIn
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