Bartender & Mixologist

Overview
Sessions on 15th is a craft cocktail lounge in downtown Oakland, open since 2022. We are a music-forward room built around the idea that good drinks, good company, and a curated atmosphere make a night worth remembering. Our cocktail program is seasonal, ingredient-driven, and built collaboratively between our bartenders and ownership.

Position Summary

The Bartender & Mixologist is responsible for executing our craft cocktail menu at consistently high quality during service, contributing to seasonal menu development in partnership with ownership, and identifying ingredient and supply needs to keep the program running. This is primarily a bartending role with creative input on what we serve.

The primary shift for this position is Friday, 5:00 PM until close (typically 2:00 AM). Sessions on 15th operates Thursday through Sunday; additional shifts will be added as they become available.

Service Execution

• Prepare and serve craft cocktails to recipe and presentation standards, consistently and at service pace.
• Engage guests warmly and professionally, take orders accurately, and make informed recommendations across spirits, classics, and the seasonal menu.
• Operate the POS system for orders, payments, and end-of-shift reconciliation.
• Verify guest age per California ABC requirements and serve responsibly under RBS standards.
• Set up the bar at open, keep stations organized and stocked during service, and break down at close.

Menu and Ingredient Collaboration

• Work directly with ownership on the seasonal cocktail menu: developing new drinks, refining existing ones, and aligning with the bar's flavor direction and identity.
• Identify ingredients required to execute menu items consistently; flag supply needs and surface alternatives when appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of ingredient quality, freshness, and seasonal availability.

Bar operations:

• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the bar and back-bar areas to health code standards.
• Manage glassware, garnish prep, syrup and infusion production, and routine inventory tasks as assigned.
• Communicate proactively with ownership about equipment, supplies, and operational issues.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years bartending experience in a craft cocktail or high-end bar environment.
• Working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirit categories, and modern mixology techniques.
• California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 60 days of hire as required by California AB 1221.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Strong verbal communication skills and a professional, guest-first demeanor.
• Reliable, consistent availability for Friday evenings from 5:00 PM until close (typically 2:00 AM), and availability for additional shifts within Thursday through Sunday operating hours as they become available.
• Reliable means of getting to and from Downtown Oakland.

Pay: $22.50 per hour

Work Location: In person