News

Job Opening: Bartender

Position  Bartender
Organization  SAW

Employment type
Permanent, part-time (event-based)

Salary
$17.60 per hour, plus tips

Language requirement
Fluency in French and English is essential

Working hours
Variable schedule (primarily evenings and weekends)


Closing date for applications
Friday, October 10, 2025

Start date of position
End of October 2025

About SAW

Founded in Ottawa in 1973, SAW is a non-profit artist-run centre dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Today, with its strong focus on outreach and community development, SAW boasts an annual audience of over 30,000 people. The centre’s risk-taking exhibition program presents the work of many artists who are not often considered by other Canadian art institutions. An evolving space comprised of its exhibition spaces, the Nordic Lab, Club SAW, the SAW outdoor courtyard and the Rochon Residence, the centre is an ideal venue for the presentation of performance, media art and new artistic practices. Located in Canada’s National Capital region, SAW actively participates in political discourse around cultural diversity, the rights of artists and freedom of expression. SAW acknowledges and upholds the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Every year, over 1,000 artists and musicians perform at Club SAW at key moments of their careers. A flexible space accommodating an audience of 289, Club SAW is a defining feature of SAW and contributes significantly to the character of the centre as a whole. Equipped with a bar and a state-of-the-art sound system, it is used for screenings, concerts, artist talks, festival hubs, panel discussions, conferences, book launches, theatre plays, receptions and workshops. Renovated in 2019, Club SAW has doubled in size and features a bar with a focus on local products, a deployable pop-up gallery, a green room for performers, an accessible stage, all-gender washrooms and an outdoor courtyard completely renovated for the presentation of summer festivals and events.

Job profile
Under the supervision of the Bar Manager, Bartenders serve guests at the bar, prepare drinks, collect payments, follow cash-handling and inventory procedures, and maintain clean, safe and organized bar areas.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide a consistently high level of customer service to each guest;
  • Take beverage orders and serve drinks in a timely and friendly manner;
  • Mix beverages according to set standard recipes;
  • Collect cash and card payments and operate cash registers following required procedures;
  • Serve responsibly to ensure guest safety;
  • Adhere to all relevant legislation regarding the service of liquor;
  • Ensure a clean and safe venue by regularly clearing drinkware during events;
  • Maintain bar facilities (bar area, bar storage, coat check, outdoor courtyard, green room) clean, safe and organized;
  • Assist with inventory and inventory control, including stocking and organizing;
  • Follow opening and closing procedures;
  • Communicate with the Bar Manager about situations that may impact service as they arise;
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and collaborate respectfully with management and staff;
  • Represent SAW as an ambassador and point of contact during rentals and events, and assist patrons by providing information on SAW’s programs and activities as required;
  • Follow health, safety and fire standards in accordance with SAW guidelines and policies, the City of Ottawa, and the AGCO;
  • Attend staff training sessions as required;
  • Work coat-check shifts in rotation with other bartenders.

 Qualifications

  • A minimum of two years of bartending or service experience;
  • Smart Serve certification;
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills;
  • Bilingualism in English and French is mandatory;
  • Basic mathematical skills;
  • Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure;
  • Positive and friendly attitude;
  • Enjoys dealing with the public;
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long periods;
  • Ability to lift and carry large quantities of product;
  • Availability to work evenings and weekend shifts;
  • Flexibility to work within an irregular schedule;
  • Prepared to problem-solve and work in close collaboration with the Bar Manager and other event staff;
  • An intermediate knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and mixed cocktails is an asset;
  • An understanding of artist-run centres is an asset;
  • A record of satisfactory attendance and punctuality is a requirement.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to info@saw-centre.com by Friday, October 10, 2025, with “Bartender” in the subject line.

SAW is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black people, people of colour, persons with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

All applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating receipt of the application.