BUSPERSON JOB DESCRIPTION

Explore Busperson job descriptions from diverse dining environments, including hotels, farms, and full-service restaurants.

Busperson Job Description Template

1. About the Role

A clean table is a guest's first impression after arrival and last before departure. The Busperson owns that window - every reset, every refill, every cleared plate - across the full rhythm of a dining shift. In food service operations where state liquor liability laws and county health codes govern how service must run, this role keeps the floor moving within those boundaries. Few positions touch as many guests per shift.

2. Position Summary

As the Busperson, you maintain table readiness and guest comfort throughout service by resetting covers, fulfilling beverage requests, and supporting the server team from opening side work through end-of-shift duties. You work within the front-of-house team alongside servers, food runners, and kitchen staff, with direct accountability to the floor supervisor or restaurant manager.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Mastering table sequencing, liquor liability compliance, and health code standards gives Buspersons a practical foundation that accelerates movement into server and lead service roles.

Business Impact: The pace at which a dining room turns tables directly determines revenue per shift, and the Busperson controls that pace more than any other hourly position on the floor.

Growth Opportunity: Experience across high-volume meal periods - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - builds the service stamina and guest-read skills that hiring managers look for when promoting to server or front-of-house lead.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Greet guests upon seating and provide bread, water, and non-alcoholic beverage service promptly.
  • Clear and reset tables within established time standards after each guest departure.
  • Transport soiled dishes, silverware, and glassware to the dish room safely using organized bus tubs.
  • Maintain cleanliness of all work areas, side stations, and dining room surfaces throughout the shift.
  • Support servers and the bar team by fulfilling beverage refills and relaying guest needs to staff.
  • Complete opening and closing side work, including silverware polishing and supply restocking.
  • Follow all health code standards, liquor liability guidelines, and safety procedures during service.
  • Report maintenance issues, equipment needs, and guest concerns to the floor supervisor promptly.

5. Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
  • Six months or more of bussing, food running, or related food service experience, with demonstrated ability to maintain pace during high-volume service.
  • Food handler certificate or ability to obtain one upon hire.
  • Knowledge of state liquor liability laws and beverage control procedures applicable to dining service.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and remain on feet for the full duration of a shift.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead, push, and pull throughout service without restriction.
  • Clear verbal communication skills in English to relay guest needs to kitchen and floor staff.
  • Availability to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Valid TAM card or equivalent responsible beverage service certification for the applicable jurisdiction.
  • Prior experience in a tipped service role with knowledge of place setting standards and sequence of service.
  • Familiarity with hotel food and beverage standards or multi-outlet dining environments.
  • Experience supporting food running duties including plate garnishing and order confirmation at the table.

7. Success Metrics and Environment

  • Table reset time, measured against the one-minute standard set by floor management.
  • Bus tub transport rate per shift, reflecting dish room throughput during peak service periods.
  • Health code compliance score across county or state inspection cycles covering this role's work areas.
  • Guest complaint rate related to table cleanliness or beverage refill wait times per shift.
  • Side work completion rate at opening and close, verified by floor supervisor sign-off.
  • Typical tools: Bus tubs and tray systems (standard restaurant issue), POS guest-check reference (commonly Toast or Aloha).

8. Compensation and Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $13 to $18 per hour, plus tips where applicable.
  • Bonus: tip pool participation common in tipped environments.
  • Equity: not typical for this role.
  • Health Benefits: varies by employer, part-time roles may not qualify.
  • PTO: accrued sick leave standard, vacation varies by employer.

Common Perks: Meal credits during shift, flexible scheduling, and potential for server promotion.


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO and Legal

Accommodation requests for applicants with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process - please notify the hiring team at any point to discuss options. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Busperson Job Description Example

1. Busperson (Hotel Dining)

The Busperson delivers a warm guest experience across hotel dining by greeting guests, resetting tables, and maintaining cleanliness throughout each shift. Working alongside serving staff and reporting to hotel management, the role ensures seamless service from arrival to departure, upholding all hotel safety and operational standards.


Key Responsibilities

  • Greet guests in a friendly, professional manner and assist with any questions they may have.
  • Clean and reset tables promptly when guests depart.
  • Serve bread, water, and non-alcoholic beverages to guests as needed.
  • Remove soiled dishes, silverware, and glassware from tables and transport to the dish room.
  • Polish silverware and prepare the restaurant for the next shift.
  • Assist serving staff to ensure an excellent guest experience from start to finish.
  • Attend to to-go orders and complete end-of-shift duties.
  • Follow all hotel policies, safety procedures, and emergency guidelines throughout the shift.
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs to management.


Required Qualifications

  • Previous experience as a busser preferred.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
  • Strong time management and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while remaining focused and positive.
  • Ability to bend, twist, push, pull, stoop, kneel, and ascend or descend a ladder.

2. Busperson Tipped (Restaurant Service)

Embedded within the dining service team, the Busperson Tipped ensures each guest has a complete, properly arranged place setting and that all soiled items are cleared and routed efficiently throughout service. Working closely with supervisors and front-of-house staff, this Busperson Tipped role supports a clean, compliant, and guest-ready environment across every shift.


Core Functions

  • Organize soiled china, glass, and silverware on trays safely and deliver to the dish room.
  • Bag and remove soiled linen to the designated area.
  • Serve food and beverages in a courteous and efficient manner to dining guests.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas throughout the shift using clean-as-you-go procedures.
  • Complete the weekly cleaning schedule for restaurant equipment.
  • Notify management of any maintenance or repair issues.
  • Check with supervisor before leaving at the end of the shift.


Qualifications and Experience

  • Minimum six months of related experience required.
  • Serve-safe food handlers certification required.
  • Knowledge of state liquor laws and beverage control procedures.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with guests in English.
  • Flexible and adaptable to change.

3. Busperson Farm (Farm Dining Service)

Reporting to farm dining management, the Busperson Farm shapes the guest experience by greeting diners, fulfilling beverage orders, and maintaining clean, properly set tables throughout service. Partnering with kitchen and front-of-house staff, this role supports a smooth, guest-focused operation that meets established service and cleanliness standards.


Primary Duties

  • Greet guests seated in the assigned station in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Receive and fulfill or refill drink orders from guests.
  • Remove dishes from tables and place in plastic bus tubs in a timely manner.
  • Set up tables according to established standards.
  • Transport filled bus tubs to the kitchen dishwashing area.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the side station and all work areas.


Skills and Qualifications

  • Prior experience strongly preferred.
  • Ability to lift, maneuver, and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to stand and walk for the duration of the shift.
  • Ability to carry and serve beverages using a hand-held tray.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain any necessary licenses and certifications.

4. Busperson (Hotel Food and Beverage)

Sitting at the intersection of guest hospitality and hotel food and beverage operations, the Busperson attends to all guest needs across breakfast, lunch, and dinner while supporting restaurant setup, liquor compliance, and staff coordination. Operating across culinary, stewarding, and front-of-house teams, this role enables consistent, high-volume service that reflects Novotel F and B standards and enhances the overall guest experience.


Duties

  • Set up the restaurant area and prepare for each shift.
  • Adhere to predefined drink service guidelines and maintain awareness of liquor costs to minimize waste.
  • Bus tables and reset them according to established standards as needed.
  • Describe menu items to guests and assist in resolving any guest issues.
  • Communicate and maintain a positive relationship with culinary and stewarding staff.
  • Maintain awareness of all functions, events, and meetings taking place at any given time.
  • Inform guests about buffets, hotel activities, and local community events.
  • Attend all designated pre-shift meetings and follow all liquor liability laws.
  • Report any housekeeping or equipment repair needs to the supervisor.


Experience and Qualifications

  • Ability to open and close the restaurant for the assigned shift.
  • Knowledge of hotel property, Novotel F and B standards, and liquor liability policies.
  • Ability to control high-volume traffic in the restaurant.
  • Strong communication and guest service skills.
  • Ability to serve all guests consistently and maintain a neat, professional appearance.

5. Busperson (Casino and Lounge Service)

A key member of the Servers, Bar Team, and Kitchen Team, the Busperson leads prompt, genuine hospitality by greeting guests, executing water and beverage service, and maintaining table cleanliness throughout the lounge and dining room. Collaborating across front-of-house and kitchen operations, this role ensures guests receive a consistently elevated experience that meets hotel service standards and Clark County Health requirements.


Functions

  • Greet guests in a positive, friendly manner with eye contact and intention.
  • Communicate guest needs to co-workers, kitchen, and management throughout service.
  • Execute water service and serve non-alcoholic drinks as needed.
  • Follow the sequence of service utilizing all proper procedures standardized by room management.
  • Prepare coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, and garnishes by following prescribed recipes.
  • Maintain inventories by replenishing coffee, espresso beans, brewing equipment, teas, milks, and garnishes.
  • Assist with moving chairs and tables as needed based on the floor plan.
  • Perform table maintenance using a silent service approach throughout the shift.
  • Complete opening and closing side work and maintain health code standards.
  • Bid farewell to guests using their name when known and encourage them to return.


Position Requirements

  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid TAM card and health card.
  • Experience in bottle service preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of designated glassware, garnishes, food menu items, and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Knowledge of hotel services, local attractions, and activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a team environment in a loud and fast-paced setting.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Consistently well-groomed appearance in line with current standards as deemed by management.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or above.
  • Willing to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays.

6. Busperson (Full-Service Restaurant)

Consistent table turnover and guest satisfaction depend on the Busperson, who assists the service team with all food and beverage duties, resets tables within one minute, and keeps all dining areas free of debris throughout the shift. Based within a full-service restaurant, this role upholds strict safety, sanitation, and service specifications that enable the team to exceed guest expectations on every visit.


Accountabilities

  • Assist the service team with all food and beverage service throughout the shift.
  • Transport dirty dishes to the bus tub, tray, or dish room according to restaurant specifications.
  • Clean and reset tables within one minute according to restaurant specifications.
  • Complete ice, water, bread, and butter or oil service according to restaurant specifications.
  • Keep all tables free of dirty dishes, glassware, silverware, bottles, and any other debris.
  • Maintain silverware service and crumb and wipe tables when necessary.
  • Remove and wrap leftovers according to restaurant specifications.
  • Check garbage for restaurant supplies and keep the garbage area clean, covered, and emptied.
  • Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile and follow all steps of service as covered in training.
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures.


Background and Experience

  • Prior experience in a restaurant setting preferred.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds from floor to waist level.
  • Ability to stand or walk for the majority of a shift and work in a confined, crowded space.
  • Ability to reach overhead, bend, stoop, and wipe throughout the shift.
  • Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
  • Ability to perform calmly and effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
  • Ability to work a variety of hours, days, and shifts including weekends and increased schedules.

7. Busperson / Food Runner (Taproom Service)

As the Busperson / Food Runner, this role owns the cleanliness and service readiness of the Taproom by setting up all service areas, clearing tables, delivering food accurately, and maintaining restrooms and surrounding property throughout each shift. The Taproom relies on this work to uphold the Lagunitas brand experience and ensure every customer interaction meets a high standard of presentation and efficiency.


Operational Focus

  • Ensure proper setup in all areas of the Taproom and restock clean dishes and supplies as needed.
  • Greet customers in a professional manner and provide excellent customer service throughout service.
  • Assist with preparing plates by placing garnishes on appropriate food items.
  • Deliver food to the correct table and confirm the proper order is being delivered.
  • Assist with expediting food orders in the kitchen to ensure delivery efficiency.
  • Clear dishes from tables and maintain a high standard of table cleanliness throughout service.
  • Clean and sanitize tables, chairs, and surrounding areas including sidewalks as needed.
  • Provide cleaning duties for spilled food or drink and empty trash from designated areas throughout the shift.
  • Clean and stock restrooms as needed.


Professional Experience

  • Food handler certificate required upon hire.
  • Prior bussing and food running experience desired.
  • Strong knowledge of restaurant practices, procedures, and commonly-used concepts.
  • Ability to identify and resolve issues as they arise.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Positive attitude with strong verbal communication skills and a team-oriented work ethic.
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.