Fine Dining Sommelier / Dining Room Captain

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday

Shift Start: 2:00 PM – Close (dependent on reservations and service flow)

Location: Dayton, Oregon. 600 Ferry St.

About Us

Consistently recognized as one of Oregon’s premier dining destinations, The Joel Palmer

House Restaurant, founded in 1916 by the Czarnecki family, is an institution dedicated to

exceptional hospitality, refined cuisine, and one of the region’s most distinguished wine

programs.

Now led by Director of Hospitality, Head Sommelier, and Chef de Cuisine Levi Seed, the

restaurant continues its legacy while evolving to meet the expectations of modern fine dining.

Our philosophy centers on delivering elevated guest experiences through precision, warmth,

and a deep respect for culinary and wine traditions.

While our dining room remains intentionally intimate, our reach is global. Guests travel from

around the world to experience our cuisine, our wine program, and the uniquely personal style of

hospitality that has defined The Joel Palmer House for over a century.

We pride ourselves on cultivating a professional environment where hospitality is treated as both

an art and a discipline. Our team members are passionate about excellence, detail-oriented

service, and continuous learning. We believe great restaurants are built by strong teams working

together with humility, professionalism, and pride in their craft.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Sommelier / Dining Room Captain who is passionate about hospitality and

eager to contribute to a world-class dining experience.

This role blends advanced beverage knowledge with hands-on service leadership, supporting

both the wine program and the day-to-day operations of the dining room.

The ideal candidate understands that exceptional hospitality requires both technical knowledge

and emotional intelligence—the ability to anticipate guest needs, manage service flow, and

collaborate seamlessly with both front-of-house and kitchen teams.

You will work closely with and report directly to our Director of Hospitality, Head Sommelier,

and CDC Levi Seed, assisting in executing all aspects of beverage service while maintaining the

highest standards of professional service throughout the dining room.

This role requires someone who values teamwork, humility, and versatility. In a restaurant of

our size and caliber, every team member participates in the full spectrum of service. No task is

beneath anyone, and excellence is achieved through collaboration.

We believe the best hospitality professionals are those who are curious, driven, adaptable, and

proud of their profession.

Who You Are

You take pride in the service profession and understand that hospitality is about creating

meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.

You are someone who

• Has a genuine passion for food, wine, and hospitality

• Thrives in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment

• Enjoys engaging with guests from diverse backgrounds

• Takes initiative and anticipates needs before they arise

• Is eager to learn and develop professionally

• Values teamwork and contributes to a supportive work culture

• Maintains professionalism, composure, and warmth under pressure

You recognize that fine dining service is both performance and precision—a balance of

knowledge, grace, timing, and attentiveness.

Position Responsibilities

As Sommelier and Dining Room Captain, you will assist in managing and executing all aspects

of the guest experience. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Guest Experience & Service

• Welcoming all guests with warmth, professionalism, and enthusiasm

• Escorting guests to their tables and providing detailed explanations of our dining experiences

and menu formats

• Ensuring each guest feels welcomed, valued, and cared for throughout their visit

• Managing guest expectations and resolving needs with professionalism and grace

Dining Room Operations

• Assisting with bread and water service and maintaining continuous table awareness

• Taking orders and guiding guests through the menu and beverage selections

• Running food and assisting in maintaining seamless service flow between kitchen and dining

room

• Clearing and resetting tables while maintaining impeccable presentation standards

• Managing guest checks and completing accurate billing procedures

• Assisting with opening, closing, and nightly operational responsibilities

• Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the dining room, bar, and guest restrooms

Beverage & Wine Service

• Supporting all aspects of fine wine service, including presentation, decanting, and pairing

guidance

• Assisting guests with wine selections from our extensive cellar, with particular emphasis on

Oregon wines

• Supporting beverage sales including wines by the glass, cocktails, and bottle service

• Maintaining knowledge of the wine list, producers, vintages, and pairing recommendations

• Supporting beverage inventory management and cellar organization

Specialty Service Elements

• Dessert service and presentation

• Cheese cart service and guest education

• Coffee and tea service

• Bar service when bartender is not present, maintaining standards set by our bar director Levi

Seed

Team Collaboration

• Assisting teammates throughout service to ensure a seamless guest experience

• Supporting service training and standards

• Maintaining clear communication between front-of-house and kitchen teams

• Participating in daily setup, breakdown, and service preparation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move continuously during service

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended service hours when necessary

Must be willing and able to commute to Dayton, Oregon located between Dundee and

McMinnville in the heart of Oregon Wine Country

Preferred Qualifications

While not all qualifications are required, ideal candidates will possess:

• Oregon Food Handler Certification

• OLCC Service Permit

• Court of Master Sommeliers Certified certification or WSET (or currently pursuing)

• Experience working in fine dining or high-end hospitality environments

• Previous bartending experience

• Familiarity with OpenTable reservation systems and Revel POS

• Strong foundational knowledge of wine regions and styles, particularly Oregon wines

Why Join Us

Working at The Joel Palmer House offers the opportunity to be part of a restaurant with a long-

standing legacy of excellence, while continuing to push the boundaries of modern and

contemporary hospitality.

Here, you will gain hands-on experience in

• Advanced wine service

• Fine dining hospitality

• Guest experience management

• Team-based service culture

• Professional development within a respected culinary institution

We are committed to mentoring passionate individuals who want to grow in the hospitality

industry and become leaders in their field.