Banquet Captain (On-site)

Hiring range: $26.39/hr – $31.13/hr. Offers are determined by final candidate qualifications and experience.

This posting will remain open until filled, with initial applicant review on or around August 19, 2026. This union position is represented by the Clerical & Allied Services — CX Teamsters Local 2010 and is fully on-site.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities designated an R1 research institution. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers a smaller, more intimate campus environment while maintaining cutting-edge research facilities. The campus provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, fostering strong research and academic partnerships in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is committed to delivering world-class educational opportunities. In partnership with UC San Francisco, the campus has launched a medical education program to supply culturally competent healthcare providers to the region. UC Merced also enjoys a special connection with Yosemite National Park, leads in sustainability, and contributes to the economic development of the area.

About the Role

The Banquet Captain provides on-site leadership and oversight for catered and served events, ensuring alignment with service standards, client expectations, and operational requirements. This role coordinates event setup, directs service flow, and oversees breakdown while leading assigned staff to deliver efficient, timely, and professional service. The Banquet Captain maintains high customer service standards and ensures compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations. In coordination with the Catering Manager, the role may also support alcoholic beverage service in accordance with University policies.

UC Merced Hospitality delivers catering and event services across campus, managing venues such as the UC Merced Conference Center, California Room, Crescent Arch Room, and Fred and Mitz Ruiz Administration Center Room 306. Services range from drop-off delivery to large-scale, high-profile events, including VIP and special campus functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site leadership for full-service catered events, including coordination of timelines, décor, staffing, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Oversee food staging, equipment preparation, and vehicle coordination to ensure efficient event delivery.
• Monitor staffing levels and address labor needs to maintain service standards.
• Communicate with Catering Sales staff regarding event details, timelines, and client expectations.
• Provide operational feedback to the culinary team on menu execution, service flow, and presentation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards as required by Environmental Health & Safety and federal/state regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper storage of delivery service areas and equipment.
• Coordinate containment, removal, and disposal of waste at event sites.
• Evaluate ongoing service needs and recommend improvements to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Train and guide team members on food handling, equipment use, sanitation, safety, and customer service.
• Operate catering vehicles for loading and unloading equipment and supplies.
• Assist with food presentation and event design for various service styles, such as buffet and plated formats.
• Support alcoholic beverage service in compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper handling and return of event equipment to minimize damage or loss.
• Communicate guest counts, service guidelines, and event-specific instructions to staff.
• Provide courteous and professional service by anticipating guest needs and responding proactively within departmental guidelines.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with guests and team members to promote a welcoming service environment.
• Lead, direct, and motivate staff to ensure adherence to campus and departmental policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain performance standards for staff.
• Train staff on procedures, daily tasks, and sound fiscal, ethical, and timekeeping practices.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff and management.
• Support summer conference operations, including multi-day events, residential conferences, and external group programs.
• Coordinate daily food service operations for summer conferences, including meal service, breaks, and special events.
• Serve as the primary on-site contact for summer conference events, addressing service needs and resolving issues in real time.
• Monitor service flow and staffing coverage, adjusting assignments to maintain service quality.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards during high-volume conference operations.
• Communicate headcounts, schedules, and service expectations to event staff.
• Assist with coordination of equipment, supplies, and event spaces for summer conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience/training.
• 1 year of related experience, or 5 years of equivalent experience if no degree.
• Valid driver’s license.
• TIPS California Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) Certification (preferred).
• Serve Safe Food Certificate (preferred).

Skills

• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain productivity and accuracy while managing shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Professional demeanor and active listening skills for high-volume, public settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead staff by assigning work, providing guidance, and supporting team performance.
• Proficiency in standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and hospitality-related applications.
• Ability to write clear, grammatically correct business correspondence, including schedules and memos.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety rules for food service operations.
• Understanding of event planning, production, and public relations principles.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to work in diverse groups, including students, staff, faculty, and external partners.
• Knowledge of catering service styles, such as plated, buffet, French, or Continental formats.
• Working knowledge of alcoholic beverage service (preferred).
• Familiarity with University and departmental policies on time reporting, payroll, and personnel processes (preferred).

Background check required.