About the Position
The Hospitality Assistant supports food and beverage service for events, programs, and internal gatherings at Mt. Cuba Center. Working closely with the Hospitality Supervisor, this part-time role helps prepare and set up for service, serve guests, coordinate with vendors, and make sure events run smoothly from prep through breakdown.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys hospitality, working with people, and staying active. Some shifts will be focused on event service, while others may include shopping for supplies, setting tables or service stations, organizing the kitchen, or helping prepare for upcoming events.
Essential Functions of the Role
- The following outlines key responsibilities of the role:
- Organize, prep, and set up food and beverage service for events and functions.
- Provide friendly, attentive food and beverage service.
- Help prepare event spaces, including linens, place settings, serving stations, food, and beverage areas.
- Assist with event breakdown, cleaning, and resetting hospitality spaces.
- Work with caterers, food trucks, vendors, and other staff supporting food service.
- Help maintain food, beverage, supply, and equipment inventory and keep hospitality spaces organized and ready for use.
Major Objectives/Projects for the First 6-12 Months
These first-year priorities are included to give candidates a clear picture of where the Hospitality Assistant will be expected to focus and what success in the role will look like during the first 6–12 months.
- Formalize Hospitality Procedures: Turn existing hospitality practices into clear, repeatable SOPs, checklists, and training materials that support consistent event preparation, service, and breakdown.
- Strengthen Vendor Management: Establish organized vendor profiles and a consistent system for maintaining key information, contacts, service details, and other resources needed to manage hospitality vendors effectively.
Qualifications and Experience
The strongest candidates will bring a warm, professional service style, dependability, and the ability to stay organized and flexible in an active hospitality environment.
- 1–3 years of relevant experience in hospitality, food service, events, or a related customer-facing role.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and comfortable working independently when needed.
- Knowledge of basic food and beverage service practices, including professional serving techniques, guest service, and safe food handling.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor settings and with the physical demands of event work, including extended periods of standing and walking and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and hold or be willing to obtain required alcohol service and food safety certifications.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
- Hourly rate between $17.00 - $19.00 depending on experience
- This is a part-time non-exempt position with a 15-25-hour average work week
- This position is primarily on-site with occasional work at off-site locations
- Competitive benefits package including:
- 401(k) plan with up to 8% employer contribution
- Generous paid time off for PT employees
- Free garden admission
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development opportunities
Application and Hiring Process
To apply, please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter (optional)
Interview Process:
- Resume Review: Our team reviews your qualifications against the role requirements.
- Application Questionnaire: You will complete a brief assessment, which includes sharing a mix of short written prompts and one-way video answers.
- Initial Video Screen: A conversational call to discuss your background and the role details.
- In-person Peer & Manager Interview: On-site interview with your potential teammates and the Hiring Manager.
Timing:
- Application review begins the week of September 14th, however we suggest interested applicants apply prior to September 24th
- Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in mid-October 2026
- Our commitment is that all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed
Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.
Skills Required
- 1-3 years of relevant experience in hospitality, food service, events, or a related customer-facing role
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and able to work independently
- Knowledge of basic food and beverage service practices, professional serving techniques, guest service, and safe food handling
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors, stand and walk for extended periods, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
- At least 21 years old
- Valid driver's license
- Hold or be willing to obtain required alcohol service and food safety certifications
What We Do
Mt. Cuba Center is a renowned botanic garden committed to the conservation of native plants and their habitats, inspiring an appreciation for their beauty and value.
