Bartender Job Description
Reports To: On Board Leader
FLSA Status: Part time hourly, non-exempt
Prepared By: HR Director
Prepared Date: 4/25/26
Compensation: $19 per hour + gratuity
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad carries over 250,000 guests from around the world through Colorado's Royal Gorge. Our focus is on providing an outstanding, safe, and consistently fantastic experience across all touch points while on property and onboard the train. The Royal Gorge Route employs up to approximately 400 staff members during peak seasons, with about 75 on duty at any one time. Our train consist currently supports up to 800 passengers per run, and includes several dome cars, classic dining cars, bar cars, coach cars and open-air cars - all of which are supported by onboard kitchens and full bars, as well as a scratch-cooking commissary kitchen, ticketing operation and retail experience in the Santa Fe Depot.
We love Colorado and we care about our team members and our guests. That’s why the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is 100% smoke-free, inside and out. No smoking of any kind is allowed on any Royal Gorge Route Railroad properties or sister properties, including all Railroad property, on the train, at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, the Royal Gorge Mansion or the Royal Gorge Route Inns. We do not provide additional “smoke breaks” for any staff member beyond what is legally required. In addition, any staff member that smokes on a designated break, must not have any scents of smoke on clothing, hair and/or breath. Any staff member scene smoking or vaping on company owned property or the train will be subject to immediate termination.
Being a smoke-free environment for guests and a smoke-free workplace for staff ensures we uphold our customer promise - to provide a world class experience. It also means we uphold our employee promise - to provide a healthy, professional, clean atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Summary: Serves guests quickly, efficiently, and with complete knowledge of food and beverage menus on board a beautifully restored 1950s style train. Offers superior customer service and maintains station in a clean and orderly manner throughout shift. Handle cash and process check out procedures for cars in your section.
Essential Functions
- Warmly greets and acknowledges guests upon arrival
- Effectively merchandise food and beverage menus in an informative, friendly, and enthusiastic manner
- Polishes all glassware used for service
- Cleans, stocks, and maintains the workstations throughout shift
- Follows all safety and sanitation policies
- Correctly and precisely calculates each guest check
- Order liquors and supplies to stock each bar after each departure
- Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks
- Calculate and pay tip outs to staff in section
- Comply with legal alcohol service requirements
- Performs additional responsibilities, although not detailed, as requested by a manager at any time
Education/Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma
- Prior experience in a restaurant preferred but not required
- Understanding of federal, state, and local liquor laws
- TIPS certification preferred
Knowledge
- English language and professional communication skills are required
- Ability to take direction and work under moderate supervision
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to work quickly, calmly, and effectively under pressure
- Ability to multi-task
- Must have problem-solving abilities, be self-motivated, and organized
- Commitment to quality service and food and beverage knowledge
- Basic math skills
Working Conditions/Essential Job Functions
- This position will spend 95% of the time standing and 5% of the time sitting
- Direct contact with guests, managers, and employees
- Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Existing tattoos are to be covered so they are not visible while on duty.
- Jewelry should be limited and not detract from a professional appearance or interfere with job performance. The following guidelines have been established:
o Rings may be worn on no more than two (2) fingers per hand.
o Employees may wear a maximum of two (2) pairs of earrings on the ear lobe only, of a style not exceeding 1/2” in diameter or 1” in length.
- Nose rings, tongue rings, gauges, cartilage piercing or other visible forms of body modification are prohibited.
- Hair should be clean, combed, and neatly trimmed. Shaggy, uncombed hair is not permissible. Unnatural colors or extreme hairstyles are not tolerated. For safety and health reasons employees with long hair must keep their hair pulled back, or restrained, with the exception of those who work in an office setting.
We love Colorado and we care about our team members and our guests. That’s why the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is 100% smoke-free, inside and out. No smoking of any kind is allowed on any Royal Gorge Route Railroad properties or sister properties, including all Railroad property, on the train, at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, the Royal Gorge Mansion or the Royal Gorge Route Inns. We do not provide additional “smoke breaks” for any staff member beyond what is legally required. In addition, any staff member that smokes on a designated break, must not have any scents of smoke on clothing, hair and/or breath. Any staff member scene smoking or vaping on company owned property or the train will be subject to immediate termination.
Being a smoke-free environment for guests and a smoke-free workplace for staff ensures we uphold our customer promise - to provide a world class experience. It also means we uphold our employee promise - to provide a healthy, professional, clean atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
