Calabra Barback (Part-Time)

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 264-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Calabra, our acclaimed rooftop restaurant and bar, features panoramic ocean and city views alongside innovative cuisine and craft cocktails, making it one of Santa Monica's most sought-after dining destinations. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We're seeking a polished, charismatic Barback to join our team.

Our most successful candidates bring a minimum of 3-5 years of experience from renowned hotel restaurants, private clubs, or Michelin-recognized establishments. Your expertise should reflect an intimate understanding of fine dining service standards, wine service protocols, and the subtle art of anticipatory service that defines luxury hospitality.

Position Summary

The Barback plays a crucial supporting role in the bar, ensuring that bartenders have everything they need to deliver excellent service to guests. You will assist in maintaining a clean and organized bar, stock supplies, and provide support to the bartenders by preparing the bar area and helping with drink orders when necessary. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Position Responsibilities

• Maintain ful ly stocked bars by replenishing glassware, garnishes, liquor, beer, wine, and mixers throughout service
• Anticipate guest and bartender needs to ensure exceptional service delivery at all times
• Support bartenders during high-volume periods to maintain seamless guest experiences
• Prepare fresh juices, syrups, and garnishes according to Calabra's exacting standards
• Maintain immaculate cleanliness of bar areas, equipment, and glassware
• Transport and properly rotate bar inventory from storage to service areas
• Demonstrate authentic hospitality and attentiveness to guest preferences
• Participate in ongoing service trainings to continuously elevate guest experience standards
• Follow proper sanitation procedures for glassware and bar equipment
• Adhere to all health department regulations and alcohol service guidelines
• Maintain organized and clean work areas before, during, and after service
• Assist with inventory counts and communicate product needs to management
• Handle glassware and equipment with care to minimize breakage and waste
• Work cooperatively with bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff
• Communicate effectively about inventory levels and service needs
• Other duties as required

Qualification Standards

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in similar position.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail in presentation and cleanliness
• Strong sense of urgency while maintaining quality standards
• Ability to anticipate needs and take proactive measures
• Superior organizational skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Effective verbal communication abilities with guests and team members
• Basic knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, and craft cocktail ingredients
• Understanding of proper glassware for various beverage types
• Proficiency in maintaining bar equipment and tools
• Ability to follow precise recipes and preparation techniques
• Time management skills to ensure consistent service flow
• Strong work ethic and reliability in maintaining scheduled shifts
• Problem-solving abilities to address service challenges quickly
• Adaptability to changing priorities during peak service periods
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to assist beyond defined role
• Genuine passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction
• Receptiveness to feedback and continuous improvement
• Basic math skills for inventory assistance and portioning
• Knowledge of health code requirements and safe food/beverage handling practices

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Work in varying temperature conditions.
• Ability to transport heavy cases of beverages and supplies
• Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching
• Manual dexterity for handling glassware and bar tools
• Stamina to maintain high energy levels during peak service periods

Company Overview Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision—to inspire and transport people—we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.