NB: Listed below are an array of jobs available in the selected sector. We continue to add details to each job listed, including duties, required experience, suggested education, possible career paths and average annual salary.
- Wine Server
- Nightclub Manager
- Line Cook
- Kitchen Helper
- Food and Beverage Service Supervisor
- Food and Beverage Server
- Executive Chef
- Catering Manager
- Beverage Services Manager
- Bartender
- Baker
Wine Server
OVERVIEW
Wine servers recommend and serve wine to guests. They work in hotels, private clubs and dining rooms, and on cruise ships. Wine servers have an extensive knowledge of wine, which allows them to match appropriate wines to customers? tastes. The position of wine server may be combined with the role of Ma?tre d? or Food and Beverage Supervisor, depending on the establishment. Wine servers usually receive gratuities and may also receive meals or discounts on meals when at work.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Wine servers require good communication skills, a professional appearance and attitude, excellent customer service skills, and extensive knowledge of wines and wine production methods. They must also be of legal drinking age. Desired experience and skills include inventory management skills, knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, and knowledge of the facility, sector and industry.
DUTIES
Provide excellent customer service, provide information on wine characteristics, wine production and types of wines, evaluate and sell wine using accepted techniques and guidelines, prepare and serve wine using wine service techniques, order and maintain wine inventory, practice responsible alcohol service.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. Courses in bartending, responsible alcohol service, wines, first aid and service excellence are recommended.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Food and Beverage Service Supervisor, Beverage Services Manager, Assistant Manager, Manager, Owner/Operator.
Nightclub Manager
OVERVIEW
Nightclub managers direct, plan and control all aspects of a nightclub in hotels, resorts and private clubs. The position of nightclub manager is very similar to the position of beverage services manager — the focus is just slightly different. For this position, the focus is on a nightclub establishment instead of all beverage services. The management skills in one position, however, can be used in the other.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Proven supervisory or management experience is required of a nightclub manager. Food and beverage experience is also necessary, as are customer service and communications skills. In addition, planning and budgeting experience, business management skills and time management skills are all assets to this position.
DUTIES
Use operations management skills, such as following legislation and safety codes, use financial management skills, such as maintaining and monitoring cash flow, handling bank deposits and overseeing accounting procedures, assist in promotion and sales, maintain records, conduct regular inspections of operation, resolve customer complaints, manage human resources, such as hiring, training and scheduling staff.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A diploma or degree in hospitality or food and beverage management is usually required. Courses in management, marketing, accounting, alcohol service, safe food handling, first aid or service training are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Beverage Services Manager, Food and Beverage Director, General Manager, Owner/Operator.
Line Cook
OVERVIEW
Line cooks organize, prepare and assemble hot and cold food, in preparation for it to be served to customers. They do some cleaning and caring for kitchen equipment, tools and machinery. They possess the knowledge and skills to work efficiently and quickly with little supervision. The position offers an opportunity to learn more about cooking and about working in this sector.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Line cooks are required to be in good health. They must have an interest and ability in cooking, and be able to work with speed and dexterity. In addition, food preparation and cooking experience is an asset, as are inventory management skills, time management skills, and knowledge of safety and sanitation regulations.
DUTIES
Prepare and cook foods using basic cooking knowledge, receive and store food products, clean and maintain kitchen tools, machinery and equipment, apply quality standards to food products, follow safety and sanitation standards and procedures.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Recommended courses include food safety, first aid and service excellence.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Apprentice, Journeyman, Sous Chef, Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, Owner/Operator.
Kitchen Helper
OVERVIEW
Kitchen helpers clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, assist in basic food preparation, and with receiving and storing products in kitchens, restaurants, clubs, fast food outlets and catering companies. They have knowledge of general kitchen operations and of general food storage guidelines. This position gives kitchen helpers the opportunity to learn about kitchen and restaurant operations and the opportunity to work with and learn from chefs.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Kitchen helpers, and others who work in kitchens, are required to be in good health. They must also have the strength to lift and carry heavy items, and know how to do so properly. As well, a demonstrated interest in food preparation and kitchen operations is important. Beneficial experience and skills include time management skills, basic food preparation skills, basic cleaning and maintenance skills and knowledge of the products, cooking, sector and industry in general.
DUTIES
Assist in basic food preparation, clean kitchen equipment, load and unload dishwasher; scrub pots and pans, clean food preparation and storage areas, receive and store goods.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Courses in first aid and food safety are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Line Cook, Apprentice, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Chef, Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Manager.
Food and Beverage Service Supervisor
OVERVIEW
Food and beverage supervisors supervise kitchen and bar staff and food and beverage servers. They have excellent communication and human resource management skills. During peak hours (meal times), they may assist in seating or serving customers.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A food and beverage service supervisor requires excellent sales and customer service skills, and as well needs to have good communication and leadership skills, proven human resource management skills and good organizational skills. He or she must also be of legal drinking age if working in a licensed facility. This position requires knowledge of the products, services, sector, industry and local area, and as well knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.
DUTIES
Use human resource management skills, e.g. supervise and schedule food and beverage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, resolve complaints, conflicts and problems, order and maintain inventory control costs.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. Completion of a food service administration, hotel or restaurant management course is desired. First aid and food handling certification are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Food Service Manager, Beverage Services Manager, Dining Room Manager, Food Production Manager, Catering Manager.
Food and Beverage Server
OVERVIEW
Food and beverage servers request orders from and serve food and beverages to guests. They are employed in restaurants, dining rooms, fast food outlets, hotels, private clubs, convention centres and on cruise ships. They are very familiar with the foods and beverages that are served at the establishment in which they work. They have knowledge of service techniques and are able to work efficiently and unobtrusively around guests. This position is fast-paced, especially during busy times. Servers usually receive gratuities, and may also receive meals or discounts on meals when at work.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Good communication skills are required of food and beverage servers, as is a professional appearance and attitude. Excellent customer service skills are also required, as is cash handling experience. In addition, food and beverage servers must be of legal drinking age if they are serving alcohol. Desirable skills and experience include time management skills, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and knowledge of the products, facility, sector and industry.
DUTIES
Take and relay food and beverage orders, serve food and beverages to guests, check on guest satisfaction, handle complaints and concerns of customers, provide food and beverage product knowledge, use proper serving techniques, practice responsible alcohol service, cash out and reconcile cash with total sales.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Courses in safe food handling, first aid and service excellence are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Food and Beverage Service Supervisor, Beverage Services Manager, Assistant Manager, Manager, Owner/Operator.
Executive Chef
OVERVIEW
Executive chefs oversee food preparation and cooking activities in a facility or for several restaurants in an establishment or chain. They supervise chefs, sous chefs, line cooks and kitchen helpers. An executive chef researches and responds to trends in the food industry, plans and writes menus, manages finances and supervises kitchen operations.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
An executive chef must have proven experience as a chef, cook, catering manager or an equivalent. Human resource management skills are also necessary, as are financial management skills and good communication skills. In addition, an executive chef should have leadership and team building skills, time management skills and knowledge of and interest in industry trends.
DUTIES
Plan and write menus, using descriptive text to encourage sales, ensure food meet quality standards, use financial management skills, use human resource management skills, may prepare and cook meals and specialty foods.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Cooks certification or Culinary Arts diploma is required. Courses in food safety, workplace hazardous materials and first aid are recommended.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Food and Beverage Manager, Owner/Operator.
Catering Manager
OVERVIEW
Catering managers oversee all aspects of catering services in hotels, resorts and private clubs. The position of catering manager is very similar to the position of beverage services manager — the focus is just different. The management skills in one position can be used in the other. However, knowledge of the food and beverage area is essential for catering managers.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Proven supervisory or management experience is required of a catering manager. Food and beverage experience is also necessary, as are customer service and communications skills. In addition, planning and budgeting experience, business management skills and time management skills are all assets to this position.
DUTIES
Use operations management skills, use financial management skills, e.g. assess total budget, assist in promotion and sales, maintain records, conduct regular inspections of operation, resolve customer complaints, manage human resources, such as determine number of staff required for an event and then assign duties, consult with clients, providing plans and cost estimates, maintain contact with clients before, during and after event to ensure satisfaction.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A diploma or degree in hospitality or food and beverage management is usually required. Courses in management, marketing, accounting, alcohol service, safe food handling, first aid and service training are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Nightclub Manager, Beverage Services Manager, Food and Beverage Director, General Manager, Owner/Operator.
Beverage Services Manager
OVERVIEW
Beverage services managers direct, plan and control all aspects of beverage services in hotels, resorts, private clubs, lounges, bars and nightclubs. They require excellent sales and customer service skills, proven human resource management skills and good communication and leadership skills. Desired knowledge for this position includes knowledge of the products, services, sector, industry and local area, and as well, knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations. Beverage services managers must be of legal drinking age.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Proven supervisory or management experience is required of a beverage services manager. Experience as a bartender is also necessary, as are customer service and communications skills. In addition, planning and budgeting experience, business management skills and time management skills are all assets to this position.
DUTIES
Use operations management skills, use financial management skills, assist in promotion and sales, maintain records, conduct regular inspections of operation, resolve customer complaints, manage human resources.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A diploma or degree in hospitality or food and beverage management is usually required. Courses in management, marketing, accounting, alcohol service, safe food handling, first aid and service training are assets.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Nightclub Manager, Catering Manager, Food and Beverage Director, General Manager, Owner/Operator.
Bartender
OVERVIEW
Bartenders are beverage service attendants who mix and pour alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for guests in bars, lounges, nightclubs and restaurants, on cruise ships and at licensed special events. Bartenders, depending on the establishment in which they work, may serve the drinks they make, or they may give them to a food and beverage server, who serves them to the customers. The bartender may or may not actually collect payments from customers. Like most tourism occupations, bartending allows you to work with people and as part of a team. Bartenders usually receive gratuities, and may also receive meals or discounts on meals when at work.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A bartender requires good communication skills, a professional appearance and attitude, and must be of legal drinking age. Skills and experience that are beneficial to those who desire to be bartenders are proven customer service skills, cash handling experience, time management skills, knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, and knowledge of the products, facility, sector and of the tourism industry.
DUTIES
Provide customer service, prepare beverages using proper bartending techniques, practice responsible alcohol service, clean and maintain bar area and wash glassware, maintain/control inventory of bar stock and supplies.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Courses in bartending are often necessary.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Food and Beverage Service Supervisor, Beverage Services Manager, Assistant Manager, Manager, Owner/Operator.
Baker
OVERVIEW
Bakers prepare bread, rolls, muffins, pies, cakes and other baked goods. They may be following tried and true recipes or may be developing new ones. The position may mean the baker specializes in creating one or two types of baked goods, or may be involved in making all the baked goods required. Bakers are also involved in ordering and maintaining supplies, and in quality and portion control.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Bakers require demonstrated interest in baking, as well as a professional attitude and good health. They also should have experience in baking and food service preparation, time and project management, and production and inventory skills. Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations is also desirable.
DUTIES
Research, develop and test new recipes, prepare dough, batter and frostings, bake doughs and batters, frost and decorate baked goods, purchase baking supplies, hire and train staff supervise production and sales.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is usually required, as is trade certification.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Head Baker, Bakery Supervisor, Food Production Manager, Food Service Manager, Owner/Operator.