Lounge Host - Denver (Seasonal Full Time, March to November 2027)

Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.

Important Timeline

We are currently reviewing applications and will begin contacting selected candidates by February. Candidates moving forward in the recruitment process may be invited to participate in additional interview stages between November and January. Successful candidates are expected to begin their roles in March. Please keep an eye on your email, including your junk/spam folder, for updates regarding your application.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Guest Services Manager, the Lounge Host delivers exceptional guest service and life-changing experiences aboard Canyon Spirit’s Premier Upgrade service class during our rail journeys between Colorado and Utah. Through personalized hospitality, mixology expertise, engaging storytelling, and proactive service, the Lounge Host creates meaningful guest experiences while contributing to a safe, collaborative, and high-performing onboard environment.

The successful candidate demonstrates accountability, adaptability, collaboration, continuous learning, and a passion for service excellence.

This role is deemed Safety Alert. This position requires the incumbent to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, team members, the public, property or the environment.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Anticipate guest needs and create a welcoming, engaging, and personalized experience that exceeds expectations.

• Mix, garnish, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to company standards.

• Promote menu offerings and provide knowledgeable recommendations on specialty beverages, local beer, wine, spirits, snacks, and other onboard services.

• Deliver accurate, engaging, and memorable storytelling about the route, region, and history in alignment with company guidelines.

• Resolve guest concerns with empathy, sound judgment, and timely solutions.

• Assist with meal service, snack preparation, and service recovery efforts as required.

• Seek opportunities to enhance the guest experience and improve operational effectiveness.

Onboard Operations

• Prepare coaches and lounge areas, including galley setup, inventory counts, cart preparation, pillows, and blankets.

• Clean, stock, and maintain railcars, lounges, washrooms, and service areas to established standards.

• Maintain accurate inventory levels, reconcile stock, and process transactions and cash-outs in accordance with operating procedures.

• Support food quality audits and communicate observations regarding presentation, consistency, and guest feedback.

• Identify efficiencies and contribute ideas that improve service delivery, reduce waste, and enhance onboard operations.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with fellow Hosts, Guest Services Managers, Train Managers, and onboard leaders to deliver a seamless guest experience.

• Adapt to changing team assignments and operational needs across multiple railcars during the journey.

• Maintain open communication, share relevant information, and contribute positively to team goals.

• Support the onboarding and training of new team members.

• Actively utilize company communication platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Connecteam, and SharePoint.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all Canyon Spirit safety, security, food handling, sanitation, and HACCP standards.

• Follow all PPE requirements and established health and safety procedures.

• Comply with applicable alcohol service and food service regulations in Colorado and Utah.

• Maintain constant awareness of safety risks and proactively address concerns to protect guests and team members.

What You Bring

• Genuine passion for creating meaningful guest experiences and serving others.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and storytelling skills.

• Sound judgment, personal accountability, and a solution-oriented mindset.

• Ability to adapt quickly, embrace change, and contribute improvement ideas.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Professional, polished, energetic, and collaborative approach.

• Commitment to continuous learning, feedback, and personal development.

Experience & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an asset.

• Previous bartending, mixology, hospitality, serving, or hosting experience required.

• Experience with public speaking, guiding tours, theatre, or audience engagement is an asset.

• Canyon Spirit requires all team members to complete their Utah Food Handler and Utah On-Premise Alcohol Server permits.

• First aid certification is an asset.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Valid identification that meets domestic travel requirements (state ID, driver's license, or passport).

Work Environment

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Exceptional physical endurance and emotional resiliency with the ability to work long.

days. Frequent stooping, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb (23kg).

• Able to travel away from home base for 12-15 days in a three-week period. Please note, back-to-back trips may be required depending on operational demands.

• Able to work weekends and holidays.

• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States for the duration of the operating season (March – November).

Compensation

• Salary: $19.75 USD an hour plus gratuities. All gratuities are reported and taxed per federal and state laws.

Eligible Benefits

All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes:

• Health Benefits
• Canyon Spirit is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.
• Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance
• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
• 401(k) plan (employee contributions only)
• Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
• Seasonal wage increases
• Growth opportunities

We use E-Verify as part of our hiring practices to comply with having a lawful workforce.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of Creating Meaningful Moments, Being One Team, and Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.

Please ensure to opt-in for text messages when you apply in order to receive interview updates.

This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure and duties may be changed in response to business requirements.

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