Catering Wait Staff

Pay Rate: $19.30/hr Position Purpose

Assists the Catering Manager and/or Supervisor and dining hall staff to set up, serve and break down special and catered events on campus ranging in size from 10 to 700+.

Must embody the mission of the Dining Services Department: “A Team of Professionals dedicated to providing quality food service with a personal touch.”

This position is considered “Essential Personnel” in the event that:

• an emergency occurs on the PEA Campus or in the vicinity that would impact PEA;
• inclement weather forces the closing of campus or;
• other emergency events deemed appropriate.

Essential Personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed to do so if contacted directly by the supervisor (or his/her designee), the Principal or a member of the Principal’s Staff (Leadership Team).

Key Accountabilities

• Assist in loading and unloading all supplies and provisions necessary for catered events, and return them to proper storage areas when event is over.
• Set up facilities for events according to event sheets and Supervisor’s directions.
• Set up and break down tables and chairs as necessary.
• Use skills to create flair and enhance presentation of foods and buffets.
• Maintain clean tables and banquet areas.
• Be familiar with all food offerings (as communicated by Supervisor), paying close attention to food hazards and appropriate substitutions to meet special customer needs.
• Serve food, alcohol and beverages to guests.
• Create a warm, congenial atmosphere that makes guests feel special and welcome.
• Observe all safety and sanitation policies/procedures regarding proper handling of food and equipment.
• Work cooperatively with others and take direction from supervisors.

Degree of Independent Action Performed

Incumbent works under the guidance of the Catering Manager, Dining Service Unit Manager and Event Coordinator, but will is expected to work without direct supervision and exercises considerable independent judgment in decisions impacting catering events.

Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None.

Internal & External Contacts

Frequent contact with students, faculty, administration and staff. External contacts could include prospective students, parents, alumni, outside organizations, visitors and local community neighbors

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• ServSafe certification is required. Must be able to obtain certificate within 60 days (attend required class and pass test).

Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age to work events where alcohol is served.
• Catering experience preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of food presentation and the use of appropriate equipment and tools preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with others.
• Ability to correctly identify food products.
• Must possess knowledge and commit to health and safety procedures with food handling and preparation.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
• Practices excellent personal hygiene habits; follows and adheres to uniform standards daily.
• Regular and consistent attendance with the ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to function in a fast paced environment, under short time constraints, and within established deadlines.
• Must possess excellent guest service and hospitality skills and projects a positive image while interacting with students, faculty, staff and guests.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work and will require the ability to remain standing for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, lift and push heavy objects as well as stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, and lift.
2. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
3. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.
4. Ability and dexterity to grasp and grip and safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
5. Communication skills using the spoken and written word.
6. Ability to see with normal parameters.
7. Ability to use a visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard.
8. Ability to hear within normal range.
9. Ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs without assistance.
10. Ability to work under a range of temperature conditions such as withstanding exposure to extreme heat in the kitchen or extreme cold from freezers.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).
3. Must consistently wear assigned uniform and equipment and adhere to the appearance guidelines.