Lead Bartender

Working at Moonlight Basin 

There’s a side of Big Sky, Montana that’s unlike anywhere else—and at Moonlight Basin, you’ll experience it firsthand. Spanning over 8,000 acres of breathtaking alpine landscape, Moonlight offers a truly unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and elevated private club living.

As part of our team, you’ll work in one of the most scenic and inspiring environments in the country—where towering peaks, endless trails, pristine forests, and direct access to world-class skiing at Big Sky Resort are just the beginning. Whether it’s a powder-filled winter or a sun-drenched summer, Moonlight Basin is a place where work and lifestyle come together in unforgettable ways.

Our team members enjoy the opportunity to grow professionally while being immersed in a culture rooted in excellence, hospitality, and the spirit of the mountains. From golf and hiking to fly fishing, biking, and exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park, Moonlight Basin puts you at the heart of everything that makes Montana special.

Located just minutes from the town of Big Sky and within easy reach of Bozeman, Moonlight offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and community. If you're passionate about the outdoors, driven by service, and looking to be part of something exceptional, Moonlight Basin could be the place for you.

The Opportunity

The Lead Server/Bartender is a skilled food and beverage professional with strong bartending experience, exceptional service standards, and a passion for delivering elevated experiences for members and guests. In addition to performing bartending and service duties, this role supports front-of-house and bar operations by assisting with inventory management, leading fellow associates by example, and collaborating closely with the Beverage Manager to enhance service quality, efficiency, and overall bar operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional food and beverage service to members and guests, including bartending and table service as needed
• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with established recipes, standards, and local regulations
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of food menus, beverage offerings, and specials to confidently guide guest selections
• Lead fellow servers and bartenders by example through professionalism, efficiency, and adherence to service standards
• Support daily front-of-house operations by assisting with task coordination and workflow during service periods
• Assist with front-of-house and bar inventory counts, restocking, and organization
• Communicate effectively with the Beverage Manager and kitchen team to ensure smooth service and timely delivery
• Help train and onboard new servers and bartenders by demonstrating proper service techniques and standards
• Monitor service quality and cleanliness of bar and dining areas, addressing issues or escalating concerns as needed
• Ensure compliance with all alcohol service laws, health regulations, and company policies
• Handle guest inquiries and concerns in a courteous and professional manner, escalating issues when appropriate
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar, service stations, and dining areas throughout shifts
• Complete opening, closing, and side work duties as assigned
• Promote a positive and professional image of the restaurant in all member and guest interactions
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on operational needs

Core Competencies 

• Guest Service Excellence
   Consistently delivers high-quality, attentive, and personalized service that enhances the member and guest experience.
• Bartending & Beverage Knowledge
   Demonstrates strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Leadership by Example
   Models professionalism, reliability, and service standards while positively influencing team performance.
• Communication Skills
   Communicates clearly and respectfully with guests, peers, and leadership to support smooth operations.
• Team Collaboration
   Works effectively with servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and leadership to ensure seamless service.
• Operational Awareness
   Understands service flow, pacing, and prioritization to maintain efficiency during high-volume periods.
• Attention to Detail
   Maintains accuracy in orders, presentation, cleanliness, and cash-handling procedures.
• Problem Solving
   Addresses guest concerns and service challenges calmly and effectively, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Time Management
   Balances service responsibilities with support tasks to meet operational demands.
• Compliance & Responsibility
   Adheres to alcohol laws, health regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Adaptability
   Responds positively to changing service needs, schedules, and guest expectations.
• Professionalism
   Maintains a positive attitude, polished appearance, and respectful demeanor in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a bartender preferably in high-end private club operations and/ or hospitality.
• High school or equivalent education required. 
• Basic knowledge of food presentation and handling. 
• Basic math skills and the ability to handle money and operate a point-of-sale system. 
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively influence team members. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and understand the predominant language(s) of our guests. 
• Must comply with Moonlight Basin’s Dress and Grooming policies. 
• CPR/First Aid Certification (preferred) 

Working Conditions

The environment is characterized by a typical restaurant environment, with moderate temperatures and variable noise levels based on being located FOH or the BOH. Work hours will vary depending on the restaurant hours, which vary by season, generally from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Working nights, weekends, and holidays is required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift)
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds independently
• Manual dexterity to handle knives, kitchen tools, and food preparation equipment with precision and safety
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments for extended periods
• Must have the stamina to perform physically demanding tasks, including repetitive motions such as chopping, stirring, and plating
• Ability to safely navigate slippery or uneven kitchen floors and tight workspaces
• Capable of hearing, speaking, and seeing well enough to communicate effectively in a noisy kitchen setting
• Must be able to taste and smell food products to ensure quality and consistency
• Comfortable working long shifts, weekends, holidays, and variable hours based on seasonal business demands

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.