What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food and Beverage Server position at White Oak Conservation?
Job Title: Food and Beverage Server
Department: Food and Beverage
Reports To: Food Service Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
To perform all duties associated with food and beverage service and guest relations as it pertains to lodges, guest houses and unique events. The food and beverage server are responsible for creating an exceptional and memorable guest experience all while informing our guests of our conservation mission.
Essential Duties:
o Ensures guests receive the finest quality food and beverage service while providing a positive, professional attitude and appearance.
o Maintains cleanliness and product quality standards of guest lodges and cottages, public spaces, restrooms and banquet/meeting/conference rooms for food and beverage service.
o In coordination with the supervisor, chef, and other team members, performs the necessary duties executing all food and beverage services in a professional manner in accordance with standard procedures.
o Serves breakfasts, coffee breaks, luncheons, dinners, cocktail receptions, galas, meal drop offs etc.
o Participates in the prep, set-up of function rooms for all meals, events, and services to include, but not limited to, the placement of linens, silverware, glassware, and chinaware etc. according to the event specifications.
o Maintains accurate knowledge of food and beverage menu options and availability.
o Knows the necessary contacts, radio numbers and phone numbers to assist and familiarize guests with the facility and our mission.
o Stock and Un-stock cottages with all required food and beverage items.
o Check guest daily/overnight information and plan accordingly.
o Assists in the drop off, pick up and laundering linens.
o Creates plant and floral arrangements for daily meal service, events and enhance the atmosphere of the cottages.
o Assists Guest Relations by greeting guests, bartending, and attending the Gilman Hall bar area.
o Communicates function specifications, procedures and changes with affected departments including, but not limited to, Café Staff, Guest Relations, Operations, Maintenance and Housekeeping.
o Participates in the breakdown of the function room and ensures proper storage of service items.
o Assists other departments on property during off peak times.
o Practices proper food handling methods, safety procedures and ensure all designated service work areas are kept clean and up to standard.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; any schooling for hospitality-based careers preferred.
• Minimum of three years of general food service/hospitality work experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Knowledge of food service practice and procedures, and safe food handling, preferred.
• Decision-making skills.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Can easily adapt to changing priorities and interruptions.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, or crouching.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling object(s) weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Indoor/outdoor environment subject to changing conditions and temperatures exceeding 90 degrees at times.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.