About this role
Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Dawn Ranch Lodge - GUERNEVILLE, CA 95446Position Type: Full-Time/Part-TimeSalary Range: $18.00 - $19.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Category: Restaurant - Food ServiceABOUT OUR COMPANY
Dawn Ranch is a natural preserve and boutique hotel destination nestled riverside at the edge of Guerneville in Sonoma’s wine-rich Russian River Valley. The cottage-style hotel and event venue offer an authentic, historic, and unique Sonoma wine country escape among 22 acres of ancient giant redwoods, native meadows, and vintage apple trees. Our onsite restaurant, The Lodge at Dawn Ranch, offers exceptional dining with a wine-forward experience centered around hospitality, education, and world-class service. Wine service is part of the identity of the restaurant. Our goal is not simply to sell wine — it is to create experiences guests remember long after leaving the table.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Captain Assistant plays a vital role in delivering seamless, intuitive, and exacting fine dining service. Working in harmony with the service team, the Back Waiter ensures that every detail of the guest experience— from the placement of a glass to the pacing of a course— reflects precision, grace, and genuine hospitality.
This position requires acute attention to timing, spatial awareness, and the ability to anticipate needs before they are expressed. The Captain Assistant is both an ambassador of the restaurant’s philosophy and a guardian of its standards.
HOURLY + TIPS
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Support Captain in executing all aspects of table service with synchronization and finesse.
Present and clear courses in coordination with the team, maintaining precision and consistency.
Monitor and maintain guest tables throughout service, ensuring all glassware, flatware, and surfaces remain flawless.
Anticipate guest needs discreetly, including but not limited to replenishing beverages, providing new utensils, and assisting with coats or chairs as appropriate.
Maintain immaculate mise en place at all times, including polish of glassware, silverware, and service tools.
Execute table resets and transitions swiftly, following the restaurant’s aesthetic and technical standards.
Maintain proper organization of service stations, and linen management.
Communicate seamlessly with the kitchen, food runners, and captains to ensure service flow aligns with kitchen pacing and guest experience.
Participate actively in pre-service briefings to internalize menu changes, wine pairings, and service notes.
Uphold and reinforce the restaurant’s commitment to refined hospitality and team discipline.
Maintain advanced knowledge of the current menu, ingredients, and preparation methods.
Develop familiarity with the restaurant’s wine and beverage program to anticipate pairings and service needs.
Represent the restaurant with professionalism, warmth, and discretion at all times.
Assist other departments within the restaurant when needed
QualificationsSpecific requirements of this role
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs.
Ability to grasp, lift, carry, and move large trays of food, plates, utensils, glasses, etc.
Adhere to all health and safety regulations and procedures, including food handling and sanitation
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high pressure service environment
California Food Handler Certification, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification
Follow all company policies and procedures related to dining room service.
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Experience in fine dining restaurant as Food Runner or service support role
Exceptional attention to detail, situational awareness, and guest sensitivity.
Strong sense of teamwork and composure under pressure.
A genuine passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.
Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Company is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Company are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and encourages applicants of all ages.
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