Hospitality Assistant
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Mt. Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE, US
Summary
The Hospitality Assistant organizes, prepares, and sets up food and beverage services for events while providing attentive service to guests. They also coordinate with vendors, manage inventory, and assist with the breakdown and cleaning of event spaces.
Job Description
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.
Mt. Cuba Center is a renowned botanic garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, Mt. Cuba opened to the public in 2013 and now spans 68 acres of gardens and over 1,000 acres of natural lands. Featuring formal and naturalistic gardens and three miles of scenic trails, Mt. Cuba’s stunning landscapes demonstrate how native plants can enrich our environment. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research, education, and open space preservation, having protected 15,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region. The gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday April through June, and Wednesday-Sunday July through November, with lively events throughout the year. Gardening, art, and conservation classes are offered year-round in person and online.
Founded
1989
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center is a renowned botanic garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, Mt. Cuba opened to the public in 2013 and now spans 68 acres of gardens and over 1,000 acres of natural lands. Featuring formal and naturalistic gardens and three miles of scenic trails, Mt. Cuba’s stunning landscapes demonstrate how native plants can enrich our environment. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research, education, and open space preservation, having protected 15,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region. The gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday April through June, and Wednesday-Sunday July through November, with lively events throughout the year. Gardening, art, and conservation classes are offered year-round in person and online.
Founded
1989
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Hockessin, DE