Bartender

MERA RD2 | RDU International Airport

Job Types: Full-Time and Part-Time
Location: Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Morrisville, NC
Work Location: In Person

Job Overview

MERA RD2 is seeking experienced, energetic, and dependable Bartenders to join our team at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

We operate two full-service restaurant and bar concepts, Raleigh Beer Garden in Terminal 1 and Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine in Terminal 2. Both locations offer travelers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy quality food, craft beers, cocktails, and attentive service.

As a Bartender, you will be responsible for providing an excellent guest experience through quality beverage preparation, strong menu knowledge, and efficient service. This position requires someone who can manage a busy bar, work well with servers and kitchen staff, and maintain high standards of hospitality throughout their shift.

While bartending will be the primary responsibility, employees may also be scheduled or asked to serve guests on the restaurant floor based on staffing levels and operational needs. Candidates should be comfortable working in both roles and supporting the team wherever needed.

Selected candidates may be assigned to either location based on experience, availability, and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Service & Beverage Preparation

• Greet guests promptly and provide friendly, attentive, and professional service.

• Prepare and serve beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty beverages according to recipes and brand standards.

• Maintain strong knowledge of food and beverage menus to answer guest questions and make recommendations.

• Accurately enter orders, process payments, and handle cash and credit card transactions.

• Prepare beverage orders for guests seated at the bar as well as orders placed by restaurant servers.

• Monitor guest needs and provide timely service while managing multiple orders.

• Provide full-service dining service on the restaurant floor when assigned, including taking food and beverage orders, delivering orders, checking on guests, and processing payments.

• Address guest concerns professionally and communicate issues to management when necessary.

Bar Operations & Teamwork

• Complete opening, closing, and shift duties, including stocking, cleaning, and organizing the bar.

• Monitor inventory levels and communicate product shortages or supply needs to management.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of bar equipment, glassware, and service areas.

• Work closely with servers, kitchen staff, and management to ensure accurate orders and timely service.

• Follow company procedures for cash handling, waste tracking, and product control.

• Support team members during busy service periods to keep operations running smoothly.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all applicable alcohol service laws, responsible beverage service practices, and company policies.

• Verify guest identification and monitor alcohol consumption to ensure responsible service.

• Maintain proper food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.

• Follow airport security requirements and established operating procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous restaurant or hospitality experience required.

• Prior bartending experience strongly preferred. Candidates with extensive serving experience and strong beverage knowledge may also be considered.

• Knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktail preparation.

• Experience providing full-service dining service or willingness to be trained in serving responsibilities.

• Strong customer service, communication, and multitasking skills.

• Ability to remain organized and efficient in a high-volume environment.

• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to work as part of a team.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift 10–25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Must meet applicable age requirements for serving alcoholic beverages.

• Must be eligible to obtain an airport security badge, which includes a background check as required by RDU.

Schedule & Availability

Our restaurants operate according to airport flight schedules, with shifts beginning as early as 4:00 AM and extending until the last flight, typically between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. Candidates should have flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Schedules may vary depending on assigned location, passenger traffic, and operational needs.

Compensation

Base Pay: $2.13 per hour plus tips

Bartenders have the opportunity to earn additional income through tips, which vary depending on location, shift, passenger volume, and business activity.

MERA RD2 provides a tip differential to ensure employees earn at least $14 per hour on average weekly, inclusive of base pay and tips, subject to applicable wage requirements.

Actual tip earnings vary and are not guaranteed.

Employee Benefits & Perks

As a member of MERA RD2, you'll be part of a team committed to providing excellent hospitality and a positive work environment.

Benefits and perks include:

• Paid parking: Company-provided parking for eligible employees.

• Employee discounts: Discounts on meals and other eligible purchases.

• Flexible scheduling: Full-time and part-time opportunities based on business needs.

• Career advancement: Opportunities for growth into supervisory and management positions.

• Cross-training: Opportunities to develop additional skills within MERA RD2's restaurant operations.

Join Our Team!

At MERA RD2, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. Our Bartenders play an important role in creating a welcoming experience for travelers while maintaining the quality and service standards of our restaurant concepts.

If you're an experienced bartender who enjoys a busy environment, takes pride in your work, and is willing to support both bar and dining room service, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today to join the MERA RD2 team at RDU International Airport!