Joshua Sawyer
Portland,Maine
Summary
I'm Joshua - a hardworking, upbeat hospitality pro with over a decade of experience in restaurants, media, and hands-on roles like fishing and food service. I've led front-of-house teams, built strong bar programs, created schedules, and handled high-volume service in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Professional Bartender with extensive knowledge of spirits and engages customers one-on-one. Friendly, open and committed to building customer base by providing positive service experience. On the creative side, I've written and hosted radio segments promoting local music and events. I've also captained fishing boats, which taught me the value of self-motivation and staying calm under pressure. I recently earned a B.A. in Media Studies from the University of Southern Maine, and I'm open to relocating for the right opportunity.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender / Server / Shift Lead / MOD
Highroller Lobster Co.
Portland, ME
06.2024 - 09.2025
- Worked across multiple FOH roles in a high-volume, fast-paced seafood restaurant.
- Managed daily operations as Shift Lead and MOD, coordinating team communication and resolving customer concerns.
- Educated on local seafood and specific dishes.
- Maintained product and service quality, supported staff, and ensured smooth shift transitions.
Front of House Manager / Bartender / Server
The Barn at Smith Farms
Falmouth, ME
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Oversaw all FOH operations for a fine-dining restaurant and event space.
- Created staff schedules, handled hiring/onboarding, and led pre-shift meetings.
- Ordered inventory and maintained bar/dining room readiness.
- Bartended and served high-end clientele in both formal and casual settings.
Server / Grill Operator
N to Tail
Portland, ME
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided full-service dining and grill-side cooking for Korean BBQ concept.
- Educated guests on traditional Korean dishes and table-side grilling.
- Served tables and guest and met customer accomodations.
Bartender / Server
The Drydock
Southwest Harbor, ME
05.2018 - 09.2022
- Returned in Fall 2025 to resume bartending and serving at this busy, upscale seafood restaurant.
- Promoted from server to lead bartender during previous tenure.
- Handled high-volume bar service, crafted cocktails, and delivered excellent guest experiences.
- Maintained strong menu knowledge and supported kitchen and prep teams during peak service.
Food Court Lead / Line Cook
Sugarloaf Mountain – Narrow Gauge & Bullwinkle’s
Carrabassett Valley, ME
12.2020 - 03.2021
- Ran the Narrow Gauge food court alongside another chef, prepping and serving meals early each morning for skiers and mountain staff.
- At Bullwinkle’s, worked the line during high-volume service, preparing tickets quickly and accurately for dine-in guests.
- Handled fast-paced kitchen environments and adapted to fluctuating crowds during peak ski season.
Food Runner / Server
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Tremont, ME
06.2017 - 05.2018
- Delivered food, explained local seafood offerings, and ensured efficient table service in a seasonal lobster pound.
Prep Cook / Dishwasher
Sips Coffee House
Southwest Harbor, ME
10.2015 - 06.2017
- Prepared ingredients, supported kitchen staff, and maintained cleanliness during service hours.
Screenwriter (Intern)
WMPG 90.9 FM
Portland, ME
12.2023 - 12.2024
- Write and produce weekly segments highlighting local musicians and campus events.
- Host a 4-minute radio show focused on community happenings.
- Returned after a successful prior internship term.
Personal Assistant
William V.P. Newlin
Northeast Harbor, ME
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Provided administrative support and managed logistics for an author and former diplomat.
Lobsterman / Offshore Scalloper
CH Rich Co-op
Bass Harbor, ME
04.2014 - 09.2019
- Operated a personal lobster boat and sold daily catch directly to the co-op.
- Worked offshore scalloping trips out of Gloucester, MA and Mount Desert Island.
- Developed strong work ethic, time management, and independent problem-solving skills.
Education
B.A. - Media Studies
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME01.2025
High School Diploma - undefined
Mount Desert Island High School
Bar Harbor, ME01.2019
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Customer service
- Highly reliable
- Team player attitude
- Managing Experience
- Adobe Skills
- Photo Editing/ Photography
- Content Writing
Creative Work
- Screenwriter (Intern), WMPG 90.9 FM, Portland, ME, 2023-12-01, True, Write and produce weekly segments highlighting local musicians and campus events., Host a 4-minute radio show focused on community happenings., Returned after a successful prior internship term.
- Personal Assistant, William V.P. Newlin, Northeast Harbor, ME, 2019-05-01, 2019-10-31, Provided administrative support and managed logistics for an author and former diplomat.
Fishing Industry Experience
Lobsterman / Offshore Scalloper, CH Rich Co-op, Bass Harbor, ME, 2014-04-01, 2019-09-30, Operated a personal lobster boat and sold daily catch directly to the co-op., Worked offshore scalloping trips out of Gloucester, MA and Mount Desert Island., Developed strong work ethic, time management, and independent problem-solving skills.
Personal Information
Availability: Willing to Relocate
Timeline
Bartender / Server / Shift Lead / MOD
Highroller Lobster Co.
06.2024 - 09.2025
Screenwriter (Intern)
WMPG 90.9 FM
12.2023 - 12.2024
Front of House Manager / Bartender / Server
The Barn at Smith Farms
05.2023 - 06.2024
Server / Grill Operator
N to Tail
09.2022 - 08.2023
Food Court Lead / Line Cook
Sugarloaf Mountain – Narrow Gauge & Bullwinkle’s
12.2020 - 03.2021
Personal Assistant
William V.P. Newlin
05.2019 - 10.2019
Bartender / Server
The Drydock
05.2018 - 09.2022
Food Runner / Server
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
06.2017 - 05.2018
Prep Cook / Dishwasher
Sips Coffee House
10.2015 - 06.2017
Lobsterman / Offshore Scalloper
CH Rich Co-op
04.2014 - 09.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
Mount Desert Island High School
B.A. - Media Studies
University of Southern Maine