What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Backwaiter position at Shelburne Farms?
Position Title: Seasonal Backwaiter
Supervisor: Farm Food and Beverage Services Manager
Employee Status: Seasonal, Full-Time & Part-Time hours
Exemption: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Location: On-site (99 Inn Road, Shelburne, VT 05482)
Start & End Date: May 1st -October 20th (required onboarding & training in late April and early May)
Pay Rate: $9-10/hour tip
Work Schedule: 3-5 shifts/week including at least one weekend, 30 - 40 hrs/week. Both dinner and weekend breakfast shifts are available.
Who We Are
Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future.
We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.
Who we’re looking for
You are passionate about working for a restaurant that is an integral part of the Farm’s mission by providing a space where the community can come together to enjoy delicious and thoughtfully sourced meals. You are organized, have a keen eye for detail, and excel in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. You are flexible, able to work varied hours, and comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, always ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
What You’ll Do
Work in coordination with other restaurant team members to guarantee excellent service to all guests. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following tasks:
Greeting guests and providing them with water, and bread during their meal.
Maintaining the guest’s table to ensure that guest has appropriate flatware, glassware, etc, is free of crumbs and other debris, and is set with appropriate flatware for next courses.
Work in coordination with servers and others to run food from the kitchen to the guest’s table.
At all times provide for a pleasant, hospitable environment for guests and fellow staff members.
Maintaining a clean and organized pantry, dining room, and serving area.
Knowledge of the menu and specials for the day.
Alert the Floor Manager of any issues that may arise with dining guests.
Complete side work as assigned for your shift.
Assist team members with the setup and breakdown of the dining room daily, set tables for the next service.
Assisting with setup and breakdown of events.
Additional Valued Qualifications
Familiarity with a point of sales (POS) system.
A passion for farm to table food and hospitality.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Being active for extended periods of time and working in settings with limited air conditioned work environments depending on the location.
Fast-paced work environment.
Carrying and moving items up/down stairs and over uneven terrain, weighing up to 40 lbs.
Indoor and outdoor work environment.
Moving over uneven terrain.
Maintaining a tidy shared workspace.
Benefits
Seasonal staff benefit summary here for 2026 benefits.
To Apply
If our vision and mission excite you, we hope you will share with us your experience and skill set that you feel would qualify you to make a contribution to the Farm.
In your application, please respond to the following questions:
Tell us about your unique characteristics and life experience that will help you thrive in this role.
How did you hear about the position?
Shelburne Farms is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we strongly stand against discrimination and harassment of any kind.
If you need accommodations throughout the application process or have general questions, please contact us at jobs@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-8686.
Salary : $9 - $10