The posting
Event Captain
Reports to: Assistant Operations Manager
Employment Type: Part-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)
Pay: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour + tip pool
Location: On-site at Snake Oil venues, private events, brand activations, and offsite event locations throughout San Diego County, with occasional travel
POSITION SUMMARY
The Event Captain is a new, senior service role at Snake Oil Cocktail Company created to give our catering and event team members a clear next step in their careers. Event Captains are experienced hospitality professionals who help events run smoothly from setup through final close, whether at a Snake Oil venue, a private event, a brand activation, or an offsite client location.
Event Captains work alongside Event Leads and Line Staff, serve as a knowledgeable point of contact during the event, and help ensure each event ends with the space clean, organized, secure, and ready for its next use. Client, vendor, staffing, property, safety, and operational concerns are communicated promptly to the Event Manager or Operations leadership.
This is a non-supervisory, hourly position. Event Captains do not hire, discipline, schedule, or evaluate other employees. Supervision and staffing decisions remain with the Assistant Operations Manager, Operations Manager, and Event Managers.
This role represents the Snake Oil brand to clients, guests, venue personnel, and vendors, and is ideal for team members who want to build event operations experience, take on more responsibility, and grow with the company.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Preparation and Execution
• Review event details, service instructions, BEOs, diagrams, and timelines for each event
• Perform and help coordinate setup of bar stations, service stations, glassware, and event floor according to event plans
• Share event details, timelines, and service instructions from the Event Manager with fellow team members during pre-service huddles
• Provide hands-on beverage service and guest service throughout the event
• Monitor guest experience, presentation, cleanliness, organization, and event flow, and help keep service on track
• Stay aware of client needs and event changes and communicate them promptly to the Event Manager
• Help solve routine service and setup issues as they come up, within established procedures
• Help track assigned equipment, glassware, and materials throughout the event and closeout
Teamwork and Peer Support
• Work alongside Event Leads and Line Staff and model professionalism, hospitality, teamwork, and urgency
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource and answer questions from fellow team members about event plans and service standards
• Share tips and demonstrate best practices to help newer team members learn
• Report staffing, performance, or conduct concerns to the Event Manager or Operations leadership rather than addressing them directly
Standards and Safety
• Follow and help reinforce company policies, procedures, SOPs, service standards, and safety expectations
• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and applicable state and local laws
• Promptly report significant client, staffing, safety, equipment, or operational concerns to the Event Manager, Assistant Operations Manager, Operations Manager, or VP of Operations
• Represent the company professionally with clients, guests, venue personnel, vendors, and staff
Event Closeout and Security
• Stay through event close as scheduled, until load-out is complete or as directed by the Event Manager
• Help monitor vendor load-out for approved timelines, house rules, loading procedures, and venue or client requirements
• Complete a final walkthrough of event and back-of-house areas to identify damage, abandoned equipment, excessive trash, cleanliness issues, lost property, or other concerns
• Help confirm rental items, furniture, equipment, and property are returned to designated locations or secured
• When assigned, close and lock doors, gates, loading areas, and storage areas and confirm lights, AV, HVAC, and other systems are set according to the closing checklist
• Document and immediately report property damage, vendor issues, client incidents, security concerns, incomplete load-out, and other exceptions to management
• Complete and submit the Closing Checklist & Event Evaluation before ending the shift
• When issued venue keys or access credentials, keep them secure and follow all key and security procedures
CAREER GROWTH
The Event Captain role was created to expand career paths at Snake Oil. It builds the event operations, client communication, and closing experience that can prepare team members for future opportunities in event leadership and operations as positions become available. Advancement is based on performance, business needs, and open roles and is not guaranteed.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Associate’s degree
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in event service, catering, venue operations, food and beverage, hospitality, or customer service
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Intermediate proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel
• Comfortable using POS systems, phones, computers, and standard office equipment
• Catering, banquet, or event service experience strongly preferred
• Must be at least 21 years of age by the start of employment, as this role regularly serves alcohol
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
• Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification required
• California Food Handler Card required
• Aerial lift (scissor lift) training and certification provided upon hire; must be able to safely operate an aerial lift
• Reliable means of transportation to Snake Oil venues and event locations
SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY
• Part-time, hourly position with a minimum of 20 hours per week
• Shifts scheduled through Nowsta based on the event calendar
• Nights, weekends, and holidays are required due to event schedules
• Overtime as scheduled based on event needs, paid in accordance with California law
• Fully in-person position at venues and event locations; must reliably commute to the San Diego area or plan to relocate before the start date
• Occasional travel to out-of-area events may be required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The following are performed with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and frequently lift or carry up to 25 pounds
• Frequent reaching forward, pushing, pulling, and grasping
• Occasional bending, squatting, twisting, and turning; occasional kneeling, climbing, and reaching overhead
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor event environments, including exposure to heat, humidity, cold, and dust
• Ability to safely operate an aerial lift (scissor lift)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Pay range: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour. This is the range the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position; placement within the range is based on job-related factors such as experience, skills, and certifications
• Tip pool: Eligible to participate in the event tip pool in addition to base pay, in accordance with the Company’s tip pool policy
• Training: Paid training
• Paid sick leave: Accrued and used in accordance with California and City of San Diego sick leave requirements
• Retirement: 401(k) eligible after 1 year of service, subject to plan terms
• Growth: A defined career step with opportunities to build event operations experience
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Snake Oil Cocktail Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on business necessity, merit, and qualifications without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, reproductive health decision-making, marital status, national origin (including language use restrictions), ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other status protected under applicable federal, California, or local law.
The Company complies with all applicable employment laws, including those enforced by the California Civil Rights Department, the City of San Diego, and the County of San Diego.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
Snake Oil Cocktail Company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, individuals with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who need an accommodation during the application or selection process may contact Human Resources.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
In accordance with California Labor Code section 432.3, the pay range listed above reflects the range the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position. Tip pool distributions are in addition to the listed pay range and vary by event. The Company does not request or rely on an applicant’s salary history in making hiring or pay decisions.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER
This posting is not a complete list of duties and may change based on business needs. Submission of an application does not create a contract of employment or guarantee of continued employment or advancement. Any employment relationship established will be at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.
AUTHORIZATION TO WORK
All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Proof of identity and employment authorization (Form I-9) will be required upon hire.
BACKGROUND CHECK AND PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING
Because this role may be issued keys and access credentials and helps secure Company, venue, and client property, offers of employment may be contingent upon a job-related background check conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Snake Oil Cocktail Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances, including the County of San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance where applicable. Any criminal history will be evaluated through an individualized assessment, and applicants will have an opportunity to respond before any final decision is made. All background checks are conducted with the applicant’s written authorization and in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.
TO ALL STAFFING AND RECRUITING AGENCIES
This job posting is intended solely for individuals seeking employment directly with the Company.
Staffing agencies, recruiting firms, and third-party representatives are not authorized to submit applications, resumes, or candidate information through this site or directly to Company employees, hiring managers, or any Company location. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited.
The Company does not accept or assume responsibility for fees, commissions, or other charges related to unsolicited resumes or applications. Submission of unsolicited candidate information does not establish an obligation or agreement of any kind.
