Bartender

Position Title: Bartender, Seasonal (Bar Cart)

Department: Guest Experience

Reports To: Asst. Director, Pier Park & Guest Services

Employment Type: Seasonal, Part-Time

MISSION

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery, wonder and fun.

JOB SUMMARY

Navy Pier is seeking energetic, guest-focused Bartenders to support the operation of seasonal mobile beverage carts throughout the Pier. This role is responsible for providing exceptional customer service while selling and serving ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages to guests in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.

Unlike a traditional bar operation, this position does not involve cocktail preparation, wine service, or draft beer service. Bartenders will be responsible for the sale, service, stocking, and inventory management of pre-packaged RTD beverages while ensuring compliance with all applicable liquor laws, company policies, and responsible alcohol service standards.

The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with diverse guests, thrives in a high-volume entertainment environment, and is committed to creating memorable experiences for visitors to Navy Pier.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide friendly, efficient, and professional service to guests at mobile beverage carts.

• Verify guest age and identification in accordance with Illinois liquor laws and Navy Pier policies.

• Safely and responsibly serve pre-packaged RTD alcoholic beverages.

• Accurately process cashless transactions through point-of-sale systems.

• Maintain knowledge of available products, pricing, and promotions.

• Monitor guest consumption and refuse service when necessary, in accordance with responsible beverage service guidelines.

• Stock, organize, and replenish beverage inventory throughout shifts.

• Assist with daily cart setup, breakdown, cleaning, and securing of inventory.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready service area at all times.

• Complete inventory counts and sales reconciliation as assigned.

• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service requirements.

• Support special events, peak attendance periods, and seasonal programming as needed.

• Work collaboratively with Guest Experience, Security, and Operations teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable guest environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Previous bartending, concessions, food and beverage, hospitality, retail, or guest service experience preferred.

• Experience in high-volume entertainment, sports, festival, concert, or event environments is a plus.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Comfortable handling cashless transactions and point-of-sale systems.

• Ability to remain professional and courteous in busy, fast-paced environments.

• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Illinois BASSET Certification (or ability to obtain before first shift).

• Food Handler Certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 years bartending, hospitality, or guest experience is preferred.

PAY-RATE

• Hourly compensation: $20.50/hour

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, wind, and light rain.

• Ability to push, pull, and maneuver beverage carts, coolers, and inventory supplies as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a dynamic outdoor entertainment environment with high guest traffic and varying weather conditions. Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special event periods.

The preceding job description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities of the role and Navy Pier Inc. reserves the right to modify this role at its discretion.

Navy Pier Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.