Portland Hiring Server/Hourly Captain

Fine Dining Server to Captain – Management Track

Join El Gaucho Portland's Leadership Team

El Gaucho Portland is seeking an experienced fine dining server ready to advance into a full-time salaried Captain position beginning January 2026. This unique opportunity combines exceptional service with leadership development for hospitality professionals who want to grow their careers.

The Opportunity

Start as a server while developing the operational and leadership skills needed to transition into a Captain role. You'll deliver world-class hospitality while learning the business side of fine dining from team management to financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

As a Server:

• Deliver polished, attentive service to a section of 3-4 tables, consistently exceeding guest expectations
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of food, beverage, and wine to guide guest choices and enhance their dining experience
• Accurately enter orders using POS systems, ensuring timely communication with kitchen and bar staff
• Uphold El Gaucho's steps of service and fine dining standards in all interactions
• Collaborate with front and back-of-house teams to ensure smooth, seamless service
• Manage cash handling and payment processing efficiently and accurately
• Maintain professional demeanor and appearance, contributing to the restaurant's elevated atmosphere

Compensation

• Server Phase: During the 2-week training period, and for certain limited activities thereafter (e.g., set-up for buy-outs, company meetings) you will get the applicable minimum wage for Portland: $16.30/hr. After training, the pay range is the minimum wage for your location ($16.30/hour) to $102/hour, which is calculated by a variable base amount per hour (ranging from $1 to $16.30/hour) plus 15% commission on your individual gross sales (gross sales less comps), which is paid 100% to you and not shared with support staff, plus any voluntary tips or gratuities ("bumps") paid at the guests' discretion, which are also paid entirely to you.* The average earnings, including commissions and bumps, are approximately $55-$70/hour; however, this rate is based on your gross sales and bumps, and as such may vary and is not guaranteed.

In the unlikely event the base rate + commissions in a workweek do not meet or exceed the minimum wage, a server will be paid at least the Portland minimum wage ($16.30/hour).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (25+ hours/week)
• 401(k) with employer match (after 1 year, age 18+)
• PTO
• Daily team meals
• Employee dining discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (all employees)
• Pet insurance
• Closed Sundays, Mondays (with exception of some private events and pre-determined holidays)

As a Captain (Starting January 2026):

• Lead, coach, and mentor service team members to maintain high performance and morale
• Oversee guest service flow and resolve escalated guest issues with diplomacy and professionalism
• Handle administrative duties including responding to guest feedback, designing SOPs, and creating quarterly goals
• Track and analyze operational data (inventory, COGS, sales reports) to optimize restaurant profitability
• Assist in onboarding, training, and development of new team members
• Model El Gaucho's hospitality standards and ensure adherence across the team
• Collaborate with kitchen and management teams to ensure quality control and service consistency
• Represent the restaurant's values in all interactions, both internally and with guests
• Act as a wine salesperson on the floor, guiding and educating guests to enhance wine sales and guest experience

Who You Are

• 5+ years of fine dining experience with exceptional guest service skills
• Strong wine and spirits knowledge
• Proficient in Excel, scheduling software, and booking systems (Affinity Publisher experience preferred)
• Natural leader with coaching abilities and management aspirations
• Highly organized with excellent multitasking capabilities
• Strong communicator skilled in conflict resolution
• Comfortable with operational tasks: inventory management, cost control, scheduling
• Professional, detail-oriented, and aligned with elevated hospitality standards

Captain Phase:

• Competitive salary with growth trajectory

Apply Now

Ready to elevate your hospitality career' Send your resume and a brief note explaining why El Gaucho and this management track opportunity are the right fit for you.