Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Glass Washer

🎯 Role Definition

The Glass Washer is a foundational role within the hospitality team, directly responsible for the sanitation and availability of all glassware. This position is the backbone of our beverage service, ensuring that every drink is presented in impeccably clean, polished, and safe glassware, thereby upholding our brand's reputation for quality and contributing to a superior guest experience. Beyond simple washing, this role involves meticulous inspection, careful handling, and strategic organization to support the seamless flow of service in a fast-paced environment. The individual in this role is a key player in operational readiness and compliance with health and safety standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

No prior experience required
Busser / Dining Room Attendant
Food Runner

Advancement To:

Barback
Prep Cook
Lead Dishwasher / Kitchen Steward

Lateral Moves:

Kitchen Porter
Steward
Stocker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and maintain high-temperature commercial glass washing machines, ensuring proper cycles, chemical levels, and temperatures are maintained for optimal sanitation.
Diligently scrape, rinse, and correctly load all types of delicate and standard glassware, including wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and beer mugs, into appropriate racks to prevent breakage.
Carefully unload clean glassware, performing a thorough visual and tactile inspection of each piece for spots, lipstick marks, cracks, chips, or residual smudges before polishing.
Hand-polish all cleaned glassware using lint-free cloths to ensure a crystal-clear, streak-free finish worthy of our service standards.
Sort and stack clean, polished glassware in designated storage areas, ensuring they are organized and easily accessible for the bar and service staff.
Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the glass washing area, including the machine, drains, walls, and floors, throughout the shift.
Manage the inventory of clean glassware during service, anticipating needs and communicating with the bar team to prevent shortages during peak business hours.
Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling of cleaning chemicals and adherence to HACCP or other food safety protocols.
Break down, clean, and de-lime the glass washing machine at the end of each shift or as per the established cleaning schedule to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
Assist with the receiving and stocking of bar supplies, including glassware, cleaning chemicals, and paper products, ensuring they are stored correctly.
Safely handle and dispose of broken glass using designated procedures and containers to maintain a safe work environment for all team members.
Restock service stations and the main bar with an adequate supply of polished glassware, ensuring readiness for the next service period.
Communicate any machine malfunctions, maintenance needs, or supply shortages to the supervisor or manager in a timely manner.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace at all times, including emptying trash and recycling receptacles related to the bar area.
Perform regular deep cleaning tasks for the bar and dish pit areas as assigned by management, contributing to overall facility hygiene.
Assist the bar team by restocking ice bins and performing other light duties as needed to support a smooth service flow.
Follow all company procedures for chemical usage, labeling, and storage, utilizing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
Work collaboratively with servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff to create a positive and efficient team environment.
Manage time and tasks effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment to keep up with the continuous demand for clean glassware.
Proactively identify and address potential sanitation or safety issues before they escalate, demonstrating a commitment to a clean and safe workplace.
Transport racks of soiled and clean glassware safely between the bar, service stations, and the washing area.

Secondary Functions

Assist with ad-hoc cleaning tasks and deep-cleaning projects in the bar and kitchen areas as directed by management.
Contribute to the bar and kitchen's efficiency by communicating inventory levels of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and polishing cloths.
Collaborate with bartenders, servers, and other kitchen staff to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of clean glassware during peak service hours.
Participate in team briefings and mandatory training sessions on safety, sanitation, and new operational procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of Commercial Glass Washers & Dishwashers
Knowledge of Sanitation and Health Department Standards
Safe Chemical Handling and Dilution Procedures
Glassware Polishing Techniques
Manual Dexterity and Careful Handling of Fragile Items
Basic Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Washing Equipment
Inventory Management for Cleaning Supplies
Understanding of Proper Glassware Storage and Organization
Physical Stamina and Ability to Stand for Extended Periods
Ability to Lift and Carry Heavy Racks (up to 50 lbs)

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail
Time Management and Sense of Urgency
Teamwork and Clear Communication
Reliability and Strong Work Ethic
Ability to Work Under Pressure in a Fast-Paced Setting
Proactiveness and Problem-Solving
Adaptability to Changing Service Demands
Positive and Coachable Attitude

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

No formal education required; on-the-job training is provided.

Preferred Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.
State-recognized Food Handler's Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Not Applicable
Vocational Hospitality Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years of experience in a restaurant, bar, or hospitality environment.

Preferred:

Previous experience as a dishwasher, kitchen porter, or barback within a fast-paced food and beverage setting is highly advantageous. Familiarity with the demands of a high-volume service environment is a strong plus.