Event Server Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Launched in 2014, Contigo Catering grew out of roots in the Contigo family ranch in Fredericksburg and Contigo Restaurant in Austin. Now our own independent company responding to rapid growth and high demand, we are a leader in custom catering in Central Texas. From backyard gatherings to large corporate banquets, Contigo Catering has the know-how to turn any special day into a memorable celebration... served with a slice of Texas hospitality. Our events are noteworthy for their custom crafted menus, exceptional hospitality, eye for style, seamless coordination, unique bar service, and a special catalog of package additions.
Our events are always evolving, and so is our team. This posting supports our ongoing pipeline for onsite event staff, allowing us to connect with great talent ahead of upcoming events. We review applications regularly and reach out as opportunities align with availability and event needs.

Reporting to the Onsite Event Manager and working closely with the rest of the onsite Contigo Catering event team, this role is similar to that of a server at a restaurant, but with a constantly changing environment. They help execute event details to ensure that each event is executed smoothly, and that every client, venue, and vendor leaves with a positive impression of Contigo Catering. As such, the ideal candidate is outgoing and high energy, adept at keeping track of multiple simultaneous priorities and communicating proactively with each team member, and is capable of having fun while maintaining a high standard of accountability at every stage of our process. We are a small, tightly knit team that enjoys good food and values good people. We are seeking candidates with long-term potential who will feel comfortable growing with us.

Location

Our office, kitchen, and warehouse are located in Southeast Austin at 3709 Promontory Point Drive, Suite B201, Austin Texas 78744, but this role works almost entirely onsite at our client events. As such, this role involves travel to and presence at various event spaces throughout and around Austin, particularly downtown, Westlake, and Dripping Springs. Reliable transportation is required. Occasionally, travel to event locations such as Marfa is required, and team support for transport is provided.

Schedule
Part-time, non-exempt position. Hours generally fall between 12:00 pm and 12 am Tuesday through Saturday, though exact hours vary based on event schedules. Hours fluctuate heavily based on season. Night and weekend availability is definitely required.

Compensation

Base pay of $22 per hour, commensurate with experience. 1099 contractor.

Day-to-Day Ownership
This is an opportunity to impact and elevate the entire company and individual lives on a daily basis. The Onsite Event Staff's day-to-day will reflect the specifics of each event and involves being on your feet to attend to the needs of our catering clients, but duties can generally be designated within and held accountable to the following:

> Food Service: setup & organize kitchen and any applicable serving areas to streamline access while prioritize great presentation; take orders or explain menu options, running plates, serving event attendees buffet style, and/or restocking self-service options; ensure that food is beautifully presented as well as safely served and stored in compliance with all food safety regulations; provide attentive service to all guests, such as refilling drinks, checking in on needs, clearing tables, and more; promptly addressing any issues related to the meal; communicate and adjust to any food allergies or special dietary requests as needed; clean the serving and eating area to maintain a sanitary and appealing environment, etc. Maintains guest tables and serving stations according to client specifications and procedures.

> Bartending: setup & organize the bar area to streamline drink preparation, inventory, and delivery; slice, pit, and prepare fruit garnishes or other ingredients for drinks; mix beverages using an extensive range of ingredients including liquor, bitters, soda, water, sugar, and fruits; contribute input on creating unique drinks, planning bar menus, or placing orders for supplies; take beverage orders from event attendees or servers and serving drinks as requested, ensuring consistent quality and satisfying requests in a timely manner; assess customer preferences and making drink recommendations, explaining menu options; provide a particularly positive and friendly guest experience when interacting with all attendees; keep the bar well-stocked with adequate supplies of liquor, beer, wine, mixers, ice, napkins, straws, glassware, and other accessories; check identification to verify legal age requirements, carefully limiting consumption for attendees that may risk liability, and complying with all TABC and beverage regulations; clean the bar and serving area to maintain a sanitary and appealing environment; etc.

> General Event Production: unload equipment from trucks and set up venues for events, including tables, chairs, servingare, etc. as guided by the Onsite Event Manager and in line with the prepared layout; Ensuring the event space is clean, organized, and well stocked in line with client and company expectations (bars are set, no trash cans out, no visible crates or boxes laying around, etc.); engage in pre-shift meeting led by Sales & Client Service Manager, proactively addressing any items that need clarity for smooth execution; ensure you are properly dressed with apron on before guests arrive; prepare, run, serve, and restock services according to plans and timeline, ensuring that you are contributing to keeping the event on timeline while adapting to change; have an eye for detail and an inclination for problem solving, ensuring that plans match client expectations; interact with guests, provide excellent customer service, dispensing useful information, answering questions, and providing a personal touch to clients where able; break for staff meal as directed by Onsite Event Manager; conduct all clean up, packing, and removal of trash in line with venue, client, and rental company standards; adhere to all company and event quality and safety standards; actively assist other kitchen, service, and event staff as needed to maintain the highest level of food quality, presentation, and timing to optimize guests dining experience; follow other instructions provided by the Onsite Event Manager, Kitchen Lead, or Venue Manager; be a core part of the Contigo Catering team and community; uphold and implement our Core Values; etc.

Outcomes

A successful candidate in this role embodies the following:

• Each and every one of our clients and their guests is satisfied. You provided exceptional service that they remark upon in the wake of the event. You represented Contigo Catering well, keeping it in mind with everything you do (attire, language, details, clean-up, etc.).
• You help set a new standard: venues and other vendors remember our team for providing quality service that stands out, detailed follow through from start to finish, and it all leaves them inspired to recommend us.
• You are a versatile team player, communicating and assisting proactively. You adapt to the changing environments and needs while contributing to team cohesion and ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained. The team enjoys being around you and you don't hesitate to do the dirty work when it needs to be done.
  

Characteristics & Skills

Characteristic or Skill

Summary of What's Expected

Highly Social

You're comfortable in a variety of social settings and able to befriend others. You make sure our clients and staff don't feel like a transaction, and instead like family. You have authority without being stuffy; fun comes with ease.

Proactive & self-motivated

You have an inherent ability to prioritize, and take action without being asked to do so, and encourage others around you to become self-starters as well.

Problem Solver

You're solution-oriented, all the time, but especially on site for events. You make it happen in ever-changing environments, and come up with creative options when others may be stumped. You have an ability to balance the focus on clients' needs with company needs, seeing the 'big picture.'

Team player

You anticipate the needs of your team, are able to hold people accountable without micromanaging them, and contribute actively and collaboratively to everyone's success.

Detail-oriented

The little things matter to you; you notice minor discrepancies, unpolished glasses, or things that aren't quite right & resolve them without hesitation.

Finisher

You finish projects that you start and over-deliver on expectations.

Quality-focused

You don't call a project done until it's perfect & error-free, and strive to establish protocols to avoid repeating errors in the future.

Eye for Design

You care about how something is presented, and have a knack for table arrangements and other event aesthetics.

Hands-on doer

You have the desire & ability to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches, leading by example.

Strong organizational skills

You're highly organized and have a place for everything that can be interpreted and accessed by others. You're not overwhelmed by shifting gears when needed, or keeping track of multiple tasks at once. You plan ahead to ensure you get the right things done on time and with quality.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hospitality experience (restaurant, hotel, catering, florist, etc.), specifically working events (a must). Catering experience is helpful, but not a dealbreaker; we don't want you stuck in old ways of another company.
• Exceptional organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; a knack for keeping multiple tasks in mind and a track record of positive team experiences.
• Demonstrated bartending experience and current TABC certification is a plus.
• Proficient computing skills including Google Drive, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Passion for good food and drink, events that inspire, and a volition to provide Texas style hospitality every step of the way.
• Ability to integrate into the culture of Contigo Catering, and be a steward for this company no matter where you are.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that matches the above description, often including evenings, holidays, and weekends in accordance with business demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and engage in medium work, including being actively on your feet for a full shift
• Ability to type and operate necessary equipment
• Ability to withstand exposure to varying conditions of noise and sound, temperature, and environmental conditions both inside and outside
• Ability to walk amidst varying terrains and perform event inspections, climbing stairs and ramps, or occasionally stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling to assist with event production needs

Please note that Contigo Catering's offices are ADA compliant, and Contigo Catering will do their best to make accommodations for the qualified applicant with mobility limitations or other disabilities. We encourage everyone of differing abilities to apply, but while doing so, please let us know what accommodations are required in your working environment.

Contigo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage individuals who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ to apply.
The responsibilities and duties listed above are intended to communicate general priorities for this position, but should not be understood as an exhaustive list of all job requirements to be completed through the duration of employment with Contigo Catering.

What to Expect After Applying

• We review all applications received. If your materials spark interest, we'll send you a brief questionnaire.
• If your responses are promising, we'll send you a link to a Culture Index Assessment. This brief 5-10 minute survey allows us to round out your submitted materials, and convene as a team to decide which candidates might be a good fit.
• If all of your materials above all seem to align and are promising, we'll invite you to complete a video questionnaire.
• If your answers prove fruitful, promising candidates will be invited to a paid stage shift.
• If this second conversation also shows alignment, we will invite you to be a part of our staffing roster for events. This final stage will also include onboarding, which a member of the team will go over with you.
• All candidates, whether good or bad news, will receive some form of notice regardless of which stage of the process they progress to.
• The above steps move at a pace that align with candidate response time, team availability, and other components. Generally speaking, we are looking to make a hire as soon as we identify the right fit.

Think this job is the fit for you? We encourage you to apply! If the listing is still live, we're still looking for the right person. We look forward to hearing from you!