The Barback role is primarily responsible for:

• Supporting Bar tenders to ensure smooth operation of festival bars
• Setting up and breaking down equipment in their assigned areas

Organizational Profile
Founded in 1938, Stern Grove Festival is an admission-free summer performing arts festival in San Francisco. Now entering its 88th season, the Festival draws over 100,000 people during its ten-week series of world class performances in the outdoor setting of Sigmund Stern Grove. Past seasons have included performing artists from around the world, including The Flaming Lips, Bob Moses, Chaka Khan, San Francisco Symphony, Kool & the Gang, Los Lobos, Smokey Robinson, Ziggy Marley, Carlos Santana, Allen Stone, and Janelle Monae.

As a cultural cornerstone of the Bay Area, Stern Grove Festival remains committed to making music accessible to all while celebrating artistic excellence and community connection. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Position Description
As a Bar Back for Stern Grove Festival, you will play a vital role in supporting our bartenders and ensuring the smooth operation of our beverage service. You will assist with various tasks behind the bar to help maintain efficiency and provide an exceptional experience for our guests. This position requires knowledge of bartending skills, running a POS, customer service and problem solving skills. This position is ideal for individuals who are hardworking, reliable, and eager to contribute to the success of Stern Grove Festival.

Availability and Commitment

• Must be available every Sunday: May 18, 2025 - August 17, 2025 (except Memorial Day Weekend)
• Must be available Saturday August 16th
• Employees will average 8 hours per week

Stern Grove Festival encourages everyone to apply and hiring priority goes to qualified individuals who can work all or most of the required dates

House Staff can expect a schedule of between 6 and 10 hours each weekend, averaging eight hours per week over the course of the Season. There are additional hours available for pre-season build days and each Saturday toward equipment set-up (scheduling dependent on interest and availability).

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup and breakdown of the bar area, tent, coolers, and supplies before and after each shift.
• Assist bartenders in preparing and serving beverages by stocking supplies, including ice, glassware, garnishes, and napkins.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including cleaning surfaces, washing dishes, and disposing of trash.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate any shortages or replenishment needs to the bartending team.
• Retrieve and refill kegs, bottles, and other beverage containers as needed.
• Provide friendly and courteous service to guests, assisting with inquiries and requests as necessary.
• Collaborate with other festival staff members to ensure smooth operations and a positive guest experience.

Requirements

• Must provide valid RBS certification. (More Info)
• Previous experience in a bar back or similar support role is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to relieve bartenders during breaks, times of increased business and be familiar with POS including which may include  quick problem solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a positive attitude and willingness to assist others.
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects, including cases of beverages, coolers and ice.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work all Stern Grove Festival Events which may include evenings and weekends.
• Passion for Stern Grove Festival Non-profit and overall mission.

If you meet some of the qualifications but not all, we encourage you to apply. We believe diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage
• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic and inclusive community event
• Gain valuable experience in event support and hospitality
• Support a meaningful cause and make a positive impact in the community

Reporting Relationships
Bartending Staff are part of the Operations Department. Bartending Staff report directly to their Bar Manager under the direction of the Festival Operations Manager.

Work Environment / Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics and the physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasionally sound levels may exceed 100 db. All efforts will be made to protect employee’s hearing.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.

Locations

1. Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
2. Video conference for Orientation

Compensation
$25/Hour plus a split of 10% of all bar donations from patrons for shifts you work. Donations will be added as one lump sum at the end of the season to your last paycheck.
 
Email
If you have any questions, please email jobs@sterngrove.org

EEO Statement
SGFA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.  In addition to federal law requirements, SGFA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  SGFA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.