Barista/Bartender/Kitchen Helper
About the job
- Previous experience working in a restaurant or bar setting is preferred.
- Prior barista experience is preferred.
- Excellent customer service is required.
- Punctuality and timekeeping are required.
- Ability to work under moderate pressure with strict timelines is required.
- Ability to maneuver on uneven ground, sit for long periods, occasionally carry and lift up to 45 pounds, and perform repetitive hand motions associated with computer mouse and keyboard use is required.
- Keep the bar clean and sanitary at all times.
- Keep storage areas clean and orderly.
- Properly sanitize blender cups, strainers, knives, and pour spouts.
- Ring all necessary banquet beverage items and collect payment.
- Complete closing reports.
- Monitor guests' alcohol consumption and behavior.
- Perform general housekeeping, including cleaning fixtures, appliances, and counters, dusting, and sweeping.
- Ensure glassware meets standards and is free of spots or fingerprints before functions.
- Clean the stainless-steel sink and wells after use.
- Set up the bar for each function and return liquor to the Beverage Department storeroom after each function.
- Fill out work orders when needed.
- Fill out end-of-day reports and bank information clearly and accurately.
- Conduct inventory.
- Inform the manager of problems immediately.
- Attend departmental meetings when scheduled.
- Wipe down and thoroughly clean the bar after each use.
- Assist with wine and meal service as needed.
- Assist with beverage inventory when needed.
- Comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
- Fill in for other bartenders and servers as needed.
- Assist with special events as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
About the company
Esalen Institute runs a nonprofit center that fosters human potential through experiential education and research. It sponsors and hosts workshops and residential programs that guide personal, spiritual, and social transformation for participants and staff, using a mix of experiential practices, seminars, and collaborative research. Programs are delivered through immersive experiences at its Big Sur campus, with about 12,000 visitors annually. That combination of experiential learning, spirituality-focused practices, and a retreat model differentiates Esalen from traditional academic or wellness centers, along with its long-standing history and emphasis on community living during programs. The organization aims to contribute to a more just, creative, and sustainable world by developing people’s capacities and sharing transformative methods.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Big Sur, California
Founded
1962
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- October 2026 workshop calendar is full, showing sustained demand for paid retreats.
- September 2026 newsletters and new faculty announcements signal active programming momentum.
- The June 2026 updated press page shows Esalen reopening after closures and operating again.
What critics are saying
- August 2026 Timber Fire evacuated Esalen and closed the campus immediately.
- Highway 1 closures north and south repeatedly cut off Big Sur access in 2026.
- A prolonged wildfire, landslide, or road shutdown destroys occupancy and cash flow.
What makes Esalen Institute unique
- Esalen owns a rare Big Sur campus on Highway 1, impossible to replicate.
- Its 2026 program mix spans AI, mindfulness, conflict, ritual, and bodywork.
- Donor-funded scholarships keep a 501(c)(3) experiential retreat accessible to broader audiences.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Meal Benefits
- Professional Development Budget