Job Opportunities for Bartenders and Kitchen Staff!
Crafting Farm-Inspired Food and Drink With Heart
At Walker Homestead Farm & Winery, we are not a traditional restaurant kitchen and bar. We are gardens, orchards, vineyards, pasture, wine, hospitality, education, and celebration — all rooted in an 85-acre working farm just west of Iowa City, Iowa. Our menus evolve with the seasons, inspired by what is growing in our gardens, available from local producers, and being harvested from the land around us.
OUR VISION
A boundless venue for agricultural education and culinary delight.
OUR PROMISE
We put our heart, soul, and love into everything we do, building exceptional experiences for one another and our guests. Walker Homestead produces a variety of foods and wines, raises animals and honey, and grows herbs and flowers using environmentally conscious farming practices that foster healthy living and meaningful connection. We are seeking a full-time Sous Chef who is excited to create thoughtful, seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine while working collaboratively with the kitchen, farm team, beverage team, and hospitality staff. This is a unique opportunity for a chef who values creativity, quality ingredients, collaboration, and meaningful hospitality.
(see detail below)
To join our great team, send an email and resume to info@walker-homestead.com.
Bartender
Where the land inspires every pour.
Are you passionate about mixology with a farm-fresh twist? Do you love the idea of crafting seasonal cocktails and mocktails using fresh herbs, fruits, and ingredients grown just steps away? At Walker Homestead Farm & Winery, we believe that great drinks—like great food—should tell the story of the land. If you’re a bartender who thrives on creativity, seasonality, and connection, we’d love to have you on our team.
Why Join Us?
Farm-Fresh Creativity – Experiment with house-made syrups, infusions, and garnishes straight from our gardens and orchards.
Work-Life Balance – We operate a limited service schedule, allowing for a more balanced and fulfilling work environment.
Engaging Atmosphere – Our open kitchen and bar invite guests to experience the craft behind every drink.
Events with Purpose – From intimate farm dinners to larger gatherings, every event is rooted in seasonality and hospitality.
Your Role
As our Bartender, you’ll curate farm-inspired cocktails and mocktails, provide warm hospitality, and contribute to a bar program that highlights local flavors and handcrafted techniques.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and serve seasonally inspired cocktails and mocktails using ingredients sourced from our farm and local producers.
Engage guests with a welcoming, educational, and interactive bar experience.
Create house-made syrups, infusions, shrubs, and other craft bar ingredients.
Maintain an organized, clean, and fully stocked bar.
Assist in pairing beverages with our seasonal farm-to-table menus.
Ensure responsible alcohol service and maintain all safety and compliance standards.
Collaborate with the culinary team to innovate new drink concepts based on seasonal harvests.
What We’re Looking For
A passion for farm-to-glass mixology and a love of experimenting with seasonal flavors.
Experience in bartending, craft cocktails, or beverage program development.
Strong guest engagement skills—you enjoy sharing your knowledge and making every drink an experience.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining excellent service.
Knowledge of wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage trends is a plus.
Ability to lift 25-50 lbs., stand for long periods, and work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly wage + service charge income from events.
Opportunities for creative input in our evolving farm-to-glass bar program.
If you’re ready to bring your craft and creativity to a place where drinks tell a story, we’d love to meet you. Apply today and be part of our farm-to-glass journey at Walker Homestead Farm & Winery!
Sous Chef – Farm-to-Table Kitchen
About the Role
The Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef and General Manager and plays a key leadership role in both menu execution and kitchen operations. This position is deeply connected to the rhythms of the farm and the guest experience. The Sous Chef will help lead:
Seasonal chef dinners
Weddings and private events
Thursday evening open hours
Sunday brunch service
Collaborative menu development tied to the farm and local sourcing
The ideal candidate enjoys both culinary creativity and operational leadership and thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission and values of Walker Homestead Farm & Winery
Collaborate with the Executive Chef, General Manager, and Farm Team on seasonal menu planning and culinary development
Lead and support kitchen operations during events, dinners, brunches, and public service hours
Oversee the work of the kitchen team and lead by example
Train and mentor newly hired kitchen staff
Help create thoughtful, seasonally inspired dishes that reflect the farm and local food community
Maintain a safe, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment
Monitor consistency, presentation, and quality of dishes leaving the kitchen
Assist with ordering, prep organization, inventory awareness, and cost-conscious kitchen management
Identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and guest experience while maintaining high culinary standards
Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Passion for farm-to-table cuisine, local sourcing, and seasonal ingredients
Ability to multitask while remaining organized and focused
Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented in high-pressure situations
Detail-oriented with strong time management skills
Ability to hold team members accountable to quality and execution standards
Willingness to work collaboratively across departments, including farm, winery, and hospitality teams
Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in a production kitchen environment
Ability to solve problems quickly and professionally
Who Thrives Here
This role may be a great fit for someone who:
Wants to move beyond a traditional restaurant kitchen environment
Finds inspiration in working directly from the farm and the seasons
Enjoys creating memorable guest experiences through food
Values collaboration over ego
Loves mentoring and supporting a kitchen team
Appreciates hospitality that feels intentional and community-centered
Wants creative input and ownership in menu development
Education & Experience
Degree from an accredited culinary school OR minimum three years of culinary or hospitality industry experience
Previous leadership or supervisory kitchen experience preferred
Work Environment & Schedule
Fast-paced culinary and hospitality environment including weddings, chef dinners, brunches, and public open hours
Must be available to work Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday brunches
Must be able to work well as part of a collaborative team and lead with professionalism and positivity
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $22–$30/hour
Tip/Event service charge participation
Two weeks paid vacation after first year
Staff discounts
Opportunity for creative input and seasonal menu collaboration
Opportunity to work closely with the farm and winery teams
Supportive and collaborative work culture focused on quality, hospitality, and sustainability
Line Cook – Full and Part-Time
Where Seasonal Ingredients Become Memorable Experiences
We are seeking full-time and part-time Line Cooks who are excited to work with fresh ingredients, support a collaborative kitchen team, and help create memorable farm-to-table experiences for our guests. Whether we are serving a chef dinner, wedding, brunch, or open evening service, every plate reflects the care and creativity of our team.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Work with ingredients sourced directly from our farm and local producers
Be part of a collaborative kitchen that values quality, hospitality, and creativity
Gain experience with seasonal menus, farm-to-table cuisine, and event-based culinary service
Learn from a team passionate about food, wine, and hospitality
Work in a unique setting surrounded by gardens, vineyard, and farmland
Help create meaningful guest experiences rather than simply “turning tables”
What You’ll Do
Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and service standards
Assist with prep work including chopping, portioning, and mise en place
Support execution during weddings, chef dinners, brunches, and public service hours
Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards during service
Keep workstations clean, organized, and compliant with food safety and sanitation standards
Work collaboratively with the kitchen and hospitality teams to ensure a smooth guest experience
Help maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented kitchen culture
Who Thrives Here
This role may be a great fit for someone who:
Enjoys working with fresh, seasonal ingredients
Wants to learn and grow in a farm-to-table kitchen environment
Takes pride in consistency and attention to detail
Works well in a fast-paced team setting
Enjoys being part of experiences that bring people together through food and hospitality
Qualifications
Previous kitchen or line cook experience preferred, but willingness to learn matters most
Ability to work evenings and weekends, including Thursday evenings
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to remain calm and focused during busy service periods
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $16–$20/hour
Tip/Event service charge participation
Staff discounts
Opportunity to grow within a collaborative culinary team
Exposure to seasonal menu development and farm-to-table hospitality
Supportive and team-focused work environment
Why Join Walker Homestead?
Walker Homestead is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable environment — not only in terms of what we grow on the farm, but also in how we build our team and community. We are eager to hear from applicants of all backgrounds.
✅ Work in a beautiful farm setting.
✅ Be part of a passionate team that values seasonality and hospitality.
✅ Enjoy a flexible schedule based on events.
✅ Opportunities for growth and learning in the food, wine, and hospitality industry.