work at fonta flora
Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy to create a menagerie of rustic and savory libations. With an emphasis on seasonal flora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Fonta Flora utilizes local artists to help conceptualize the notion that fermentation is yet another medium for creating art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer yields a sustainable product filled with culture from our very own community.
now hiring
SALES REPRESENTATIVE [CHARLOTTE]
Job Title: Sales Representative
Location: Charlotte, NC
FLSA Classification/Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Lead Sales Representative
Job Purpose
The Sales Representative reports to the Lead Sales Representative and is responsible for completing all tasks related to account maintenance. These include (but are not limited to) generating sales, checking product integrity, providing samples, proactive follow ups, coordinating and attending events and delivering product. This position requires an individual to have outstanding passion for our beer, with a work ethic to match.
With a goal of increasing our overall distribution in the Charlotte market, we are seeking a highly motivated, capable and goal oriented individual to help us reach these targets. Candidates must share Fonta Flora’s commitments to quality, safety, business ethics, continuous innovation, local agriculture and our own unique culture.
Fonta Flora Brewery is a small but thriving craft brewery where no job is too large or too small for anyone. All employees are expected to pitch in where needed and to be flexible with changing day-to-day job duties. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable navigating through Charlotte (and other markets) in an efficient manner. The ideal candidate will possess a sense of urgency and punctuality, while also being approachable and friendly with clients or customers of Fonta Flora.
-ERRDAY Job Tasks
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Work autonomously in the Charlotte market (and beyond), growing sales and brand awareness
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Increase number of tap handles and shelf skus at current accounts
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Develop new accounts and build out those new relationships
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Actively engage with current accounts and foster those relationships
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Proactively contact accounts daily to follow up and schedule account visits/samplings etc.
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Extensive knowledge of Fonta Flora SKUS, remaining Fonta Flora inventory and the history of Fonts Flora Brewery
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In tandem with Lead Sales Rep to identify and develop key on – and off – premise accounts
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Merchandise off premise accounts as needed
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Conduct beer sampling at accounts as needed
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Attend events, festivals, tap takeovers, etc at accounts (Minimum 4 per month)
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Host accounts, partners & prospects at our Optimist Hall Tap room (2 per month)
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Supporting delivery of a product as needed to accounts with last-minute requests
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Keeping customers informed by answering questions regarding products and service
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Maintaining neat and clean personal appearance to uphold company’s public image
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Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization
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Assist with promotional events (ie specialty beer events)
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Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions
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Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws
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Other tasks as assigned
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
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High School Degree, or Bachelor’s degree preferred
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Two years’ experience in brewery sales, beer wholesaler sales, and/or business-to-business sales
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Strong Planning and Organizational Skills
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Self Motivated
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Ability to manage time and priorities in an effective and efficient manner
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Natural ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, accounts, and other employees
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Ability to navigate difficult situations with partners, accounts, and other employees
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Strong computer skills (MS-Word, MS-Excel, email, google doc)
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Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Ability to track and monitor progress in all identified accounts
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Cicerone Certified Beer Server preferred
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Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
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Have reliable transportation
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Ability to lift 75 lb.
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Ability to occasionally manipulate 165 lb. kegs with & without dolly
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Ability to occasionally transport 165 lbs. on a dolly
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Ability to travel
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Flexible hours
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Must, must, must love beer – tasting beer, talking about beer, sharing beer and surrounding yourself with others who do as well
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
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Willing to travel to markets outside of Charlotte
- Occasional overnight travel will be expected
PERKS:
- Fun and social work environment
- Health benefits reimbursement
- Simple IRA with company matching
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Employee discount programs
COMPENSATION:
-
Commensurate with experience
-
Mileage reimbursement or company vehicle
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please send your resume and cover letter with a subject of -Sales Rep- to [email protected].
cellar person
Job Title: Cellar Person
Location: Nebo, NC
FLSA Classification/Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Production Manager
Job Purpose
The Cellar Person is responsible for assisting in the many tasks required to create Fonta Flora beer and will report to the Production Manager. Candidates must share Fonta Flora’s commitments to quality, safety, business ethics, continuous innovation, local agriculture, and our own unique culture. The successful candidate for this role will be comfortable with repetitive tasks, physical labor, and standing/moving for extended periods of time. The candidate must be flexible and adaptable to different or alternating tasks during any given shift. This person will assist and overlap with all production departments, including packaging, brewing and cellar. This position will complete all supplementary tasks needed by the Production Manager to adhere to our brewing schedule.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
- Assist Lead Cellar, Production Manager, and Head of Brewing Operations in all daily scheduled cellar tasks
- Monitor and execute all cellaring duties, including gravity checks, temperature changes, dryhops, etc.
- Adhere to tight tank schedule by completing beer transfers and monitoring quality throughout process, including DO and carbonation checks, gravity and pH checks using proper beer equipment
- Assist packaging team on a daily basis as needed. This may include bottling, canning, and/or labeling and waxing of product
- Follow strict SOP’s to clean the brite tanks/fermenters pre and post transfer
- Be responsible for all dryhops, ingredient additions, yeast drops and harvests of all beers
- Completing cellar prep work leading up to scheduled needs, such as prior keg washing
- Ability to supplement brewing team as needed. This may include mashing in, graining out, milling in, hop/ingredient additions, etc.
- Prepare fruit and other ingredients for the brewing process; to include peeling, chopping, seeding, etc.
- Assemble boxes prior to bottling and canning beverages
- Palletizing filled kegs, cans and bottles in conjunction with Logistics Manager and/or Packaging Lead, and assisting with warehouse movement and inventory as needed
- Responsible for cleanliness and organization of all cellar areas
- Clean and properly store kegs
- Clean and sanitize keg cleaning lines prior to and post kegging
- Strict attention to detail of all data collection on paper and digital logs throughout processes
- Assist with communication of inventory to Packaging Lead and Production Manager
- Maintain an orderly and safe work environment within department as well as entire facility
- Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions
- Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization
- Safely handling cleaning chemicals, and using the prescribed amount for each task
- Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws
- Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site
- Other tasks as assigned
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
- Able to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check
- 1 year in brewing production setting, preferably in packaging or cellaring department
- Extreme passion for production work and the desire to learn
- Strong work ethic and self-starting attitude
- Good interpersonal skills and team spirit
- The desire to work in a fast-paced, growing company
- Strong attention to detail and self-accountability when following schedule
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- None
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
- Able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, climb ladders and stairs
- Able to manipulate valves and clamps
- Able to read and follow written English instructions
- Able to regularly lift/carry 44 pound boxes
- Able to regularly lift/carry 55 pound bags above waist level
- Able to periodically lift/move 165 pounds
- Able to work in a factory/production environment which may be loud, slick, humid, and hot
- Able to work in indoor and outdoor environment with moderate noise, sometimes slippery floors
- Able to comply with safe chemical handling procedures, including personal protection equipment such as gloves and goggles
PERKS:
- Fun and social work environment
- Competitive compensation
- Health benefits reimbursement
- Simple IRA with company matching
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Employee discount programs
COMPENSATION:
- Hourly pay
- Commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please send your resume and cover letter with a subject of Cellar Person to [email protected].
Packaging Team Member
Job Title: Packaging Team Member
Location: Nebo, NC
FLSA Classification/Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Production Manager
Job Purpose
The Packaging Team Member is responsible for assisting in the many tasks required to create Fonta Flora beer and will report to the Production Manager. Candidates must share Fonta Flora’s commitments to quality, safety, business ethics, continuous innovation, local agriculture, and our own unique culture. The successful candidate for this role will be comfortable with repetitive tasks, physical labor, and standing/moving for extended periods of time. The candidate must be flexible and adaptable to different or alternating tasks during any given shift.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
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Prepare fruit and other ingredients for the brewing process; to include peeling, chopping, seeding, etc.,
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Assemble boxes prior to bottling and canning beverages,
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Bottling beer on a 6 head, manual, gravity-style bottling line,
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Assist with canning of beer using our canning line,
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Monitoring quality of beer specs using proper equipment,
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Packing case trays or boxes,
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Palletizing filled kegs and boxes in conjunction with Delivery Specialist and/or Packaging Lead,
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Labeling and wax dipping bottles,
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Monitoring quality control on finished labeled and waxed bottles, and labeled filled cans
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Cleaning and maintaining the bottling line and packaging work area,
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Clean and properly store kegs,
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Clean and sanitize keg cleaning lines prior to and post kegging,
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Properly mark/identify filled kegs with appropriate collars,
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Inventory bottles and kegs and log and report data to Head of Brewing Operations, Packaging Lead and Logistics Manager,
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Maintain an orderly and safe work environment within department as well as entire facility,
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Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions,
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In coordination with brewer and/or lead cellarman, follow strict SOP’s to clean the brite tanks/fermenters post packaging,
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Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization,
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Safely handling cleaning chemicals, and using the prescribed amount for each task,
-
Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws,
-
Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site,
-
Other tasks as assigned.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
-
Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
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Able to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check
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Previous experience in a brewing/manufacturing environment is preferred but not required
-
Extreme passion for production work and the desire to learn
-
Strong work ethic and self-starting attitude
-
Good interpersonal skills and team spirit
-
The desire to work in a fast-paced, growing company
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- None
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
- Able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, climb ladders and stairs
- Able to manipulate valves and clamps
- Able to read and follow written English instructions
- Able to regularly lift/carry 44 pound boxes
- Able to regularly lift/carry 55 pound bags above waist level
- Able to periodically lift/move 165 pounds
- Able to work in a factory/production environment which may be loud, slick, humid, and hot
- Able to work in indoor and outdoor environment with moderate noise, sometimes slippery floors
- Able to comply with safe chemical handling procedures, including personal protection equipment such as gloves and goggles
PERKS:
- Fun and social work environment
- Competitive compensation
- Health benefits reimbursement
- Simple IRA with company matching
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Employee discount programs
COMPENSATION:
- Hourly pay
- Commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please send your resume and cover letter with a subject of -Packaging Team Member- to [email protected].
FARM HAND
Job Title: Farm Hand / Farm Worker
Location: Nebo, NC
FLSA Classification/Status: Seasonal / Part-Time
Reports To: Creative Director / Todd
Job Purpose
The farm hand position will be responsible for all aspects of tending to the land and enhancing the soil at Whippoorwill Farm. With the immediate goal of growing ingredients for the brewing process and beautifying the farmhouse brewery itself, the overall purpose of the farming program is to bring agricultural awareness to the customers of Fonta Flora Brewery. From that, the purpose of this position is the following:
- Beautify the land
- Plant, nurture and harvest crops to be used to make Fonta Flora beer
- 8 – 10 hours per week
Finally, the successful candidate must be a proud representative of the Fonta Flora brand and culture we strive to curate.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
- Literal seed to harvest operation
- Start seeds in flats
- Water Water Water
- Transplant plants into garden
- Weed Weed Weed
- Apply fertilizer as needed
- Direct seed into garden area
- Mulch Mulch Mulch
- Beautify black plastic
- Harvest as needed and store ingredients properly
- Plant and prune trees
- Remove debris from field at end of each season/crop planting
- Help maintain compost pile
- Clean up after a days work – No tools left out in the field
- Organize the tool shed area
- Keep gas cans full
- Weed/plant and maintain all “bedded” areas
- Maintain and water plants in and outside of tasting room areas (in coordination with ATM and head of brand)
- Other tasks as assigned
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
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Previous farm work and/or landscape experience a plus
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No education or qualifications necessary
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- This position requires a great deal of manual labor!
- Be able to stoop, bend, crouch, twist and pivot for many hours a day.
- Need to be okay with spending time in the hot hot North Carolina sun.
- Be able to dig, hoe, scoop, rake and pitchfork sometimes heavy soil and plants.
- Lift heavy (50LB) bags of soil or fertilizer
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please fill out this application OR send your resume and cover letter with a subject line of Farm Hand to [email protected]
BARBACK
Job Title: Barback
Location: Nebo, NC
FLSA Classification: Part-Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Taproom Manager
We are currently seeking a part-time Barback to support the bartenders and beverage operations at our Whippoorwill Farm taproom primarily during high volume shifts from Friday through Sunday and for special events.
Job Purpose
The Barback’s work week will consist of cleaning, restocking, customer service, and occasional beer service as needed to support operations. The individual should possess the ability to communicate the Fonta Flora story and educate both staff and customers about the beers we produce. Finally, the successful candidate must be a proud representative of the Fonta Flora brand and culture we strive to curate.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
Hospitality
- Provide consistent, exceptional customer service
- Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site
- Engage with all customers, new and the “regulars”
- Educate customers about our beer and the processes behind its creation
Operations
- Floating through taproom, field and other event spaces to monitor guests, collecting & returning glassware
- Cleaning and polishing glassware
- Check and maintain taproom cleanliness including field and event spaces
- Check and maintain bathroom cleanliness and supply stock
- Monitor guest spaces including trash, recycling and bus bins
- Assist with taproom product restock as needed
- Assist with beer pouring, customer service, crowd control as needed
- Knowledge of taproom rules and ability to help enforce as needed
- ABC rules
- Garden patrol
- Pets/Leash policy
Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- No minimum education requirements.
- Some service industry experience is preferred but not required.
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
Physical Requirements
- Able to tap kegs
- Able to move beer inventory and restock of kegs, can cases, bottle cases, etc.
- Able to move and assist moving tasting room equipment (kegs/picnic tables/umbrellas, etc.)
- Mentally capable of handling occasional high stress scenarios, as well as large groups of people
Compensation:
- Hourly compensation plus a percentage of tips
Travel Requirements:
- None
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please fill out this application OR send your resume and cover letter with a subject line of -Barback- to [email protected]
BARTENDER [Charlotte]
Job Title: Taproom Bartender
Location: Charlotte, NC [Optimist Hall]
FLSA Classification: Part-Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Taproom Manager
We are currently seeking a part-time Bartender to serve our delicious beverages and tell the story of Fonta Flora while extending all the hospitality and welcome feels to our guests. Specifically, an applicant with weekday availability.
Job Purpose
Our tasting rooms are a key part of our success as we’re able to showcase our beer, our history, culture, and our brand with patrons and turn them into loyal fans. Our bartenders act as our brand ambassadors when they are working in the taproom and should be knowledgeable about craft beer and our brewery, attentive and focused on providing the best possible experience for our guests in a fast-paced environment.
To be a successful bartender at Fonta Flora, one must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt and seamless service. Our bartenders practice proper beer pouring, take part in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining and stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, and taking on other duties as assigned to support the Taproom Manager and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly.
Prior craft beer (bartending) experience is a plus, but not a requirement. What is a requirement is a passion for learning about craft beer, enjoying working as part of a team, being efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and perceptive with excellent communication and time-management skills.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
- Opening and closing duties, such restocking the to-go cooler, setting up/breaking down taps, and ensuring the bar has clean towels, glassware, etc.
- Cash handling
- POS operations
- Problem solving
- Staying on top of glassware: cleaning, collecting, restocking
- Changing kegs
- Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly, changing out kegs when needed
- Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, picking up trash as you go
- Learning about our beers and our brand, knowing flavor profiles of our beers
- Greet and socialize with patrons
- Educate patrons on brewing and our beers
- Proper beer pouring
- Occasional Tap/Beer Line trouble-shooting
- Work closely with the Taproom Room Manager/ Assistant Taproom Manager
- Frequently stay involved with Basecamp, our project management/internal communication tool
- Maintain an orderly and safe work environment within department as well as entire facility
- Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions,
- Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization
- Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws
- Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site
- Other tasks as assigned.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Passion for Fonta Flora Brewery and the craft beer industry
- Prior experience as a bartender preferred, but not required
- General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process
- Outgoing and friendly demeanor and enjoys a high level of public interaction
- Positive attitude and strong verbal communication skills
- Able to demonstrate integrity and mature judgment in handling all matters
- Ability to problem-solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Willing to work weekdays, weekends, and special events
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires moderate physical efforts; carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing
- Able to move around full kegs
- Able to use a hand truck and load cases of beer
- Able to stand for long periods of time
PERKS:
- Fun and social work environment
- Simple IRA with company matching
- Employee discount programs
COMPENSATION:
- Hourly, commensurate with experience
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please fill out this application OR send your resume and cover letter with a subject of -Bartender- to [email protected]
BARTENDER [NEBO & MORGANTON]
Job Title: Taproom Bartender
Location: Morganton, NC, Nebo, NC
FLSA Classification: Part-Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Taproom Manager
We are currently seeking a part-time Bartender to serve our delicious beverages and tell the story of Fonta Flora while extending all the hospitality and welcome feels to our guests. Specifically, an applicant with weekday availability.
Job Purpose
Our tasting rooms are a key part of our success as we’re able to showcase our beer, our history, culture, and our brand with patrons and turn them into loyal fans. Our bartenders act as our brand ambassadors when they are working in the taproom and should be knowledgeable about craft beer and our brewery, attentive and focused on providing the best possible experience for our guests in a fast-paced environment.
To be a successful bartender at Fonta Flora, one must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt and seamless service. Our bartenders practice proper beer pouring, take part in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining and stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, and taking on other duties as assigned to support the Taproom Manager and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly.
Prior craft beer (bartending) experience is a plus, but not a requirement. What is a requirement is a passion for learning about craft beer, enjoying working as part of a team, being efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and perceptive with excellent communication and time-management skills.
ERRDAY Job Tasks
- Opening and closing duties, such restocking the to-go cooler, setting up/breaking down taps, and ensuring the bar has clean towels, glassware, etc.
- Cash handling
- POS operations
- Problem solving
- Staying on top of glassware: cleaning, collecting, restocking
- Changing kegs
- Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly, changing out kegs when needed
- Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, picking up trash as you go
- Learning about our beers and our brand, knowing flavor profiles of our beers
- Greet and socialize with patrons
- Educate patrons on brewing and our beers
- Proper beer pouring
- Occasional Tap/Beer Line trouble-shooting
- Work closely with the Taproom Room Manager/ Assistant Taproom Manager
- Frequently stay involved with Basecamp, our project management/internal communication tool
- Maintain an orderly and safe work environment within department as well as entire facility
- Participate in regular departmental meetings to review issues and propose solutions,
- Be a team player with ability to interact with all levels within the organization
- Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws
- Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site
- Other tasks as assigned.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Passion for Fonta Flora Brewery and the craft beer industry
- Prior experience as a bartender preferred, but not required
- General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process
- Outgoing and friendly demeanor and enjoys a high level of public interaction
- Positive attitude and strong verbal communication skills
- Able to demonstrate integrity and mature judgment in handling all matters
- Ability to problem-solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Willing to work weekdays, weekends, and special events
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires moderate physical efforts; carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing
- Able to move around full kegs
- Able to use a hand truck and load cases of beer
- Able to stand for long periods of time
PERKS:
- Fun and social work environment
- Simple IRA with company matching
- Employee discount programs
COMPENSATION:
- Hourly, commensurate with experience
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think this job was meant for you and you would love to be a part of our growing yet intimate team, please fill out this application OR send your resume and cover letter with a subject of -Bartender- to [email protected]