Dining Service Substitute Trainee

Location: Big Rapids, MI (Main Campus)

Temporary, full-time position for up to 9 months. Work up to 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. Advertised salary: $15.05 per hour.

About the Role

This temporary position provides support in food service production by assisting in food preparation and other service needs in dining. Individuals in this role will be exposed to all food types (e.g., shellfish, peanuts, fruit) in an environment where industrial-strength cleaners are used. Employees must interact with students, staff, faculty, and patrons, project a positive image, and communicate effectively to provide great customer service.

Individuals hired as a Dining Service Substitute Trainee may not serve in this capacity for more than 1 year and may not return to this position after the assignment has ended.

Responsibilities

• Assist other food service employees as needed.
• Ensure that food is palatable and appetizing.
• Cook and handle food in accordance with safe food-handling and sanitary requirements, following departmental sanitation policies.
• Interact with customers and staff in a polite, friendly, and courteous manner.
• Maintain equipment, pots, pans, utensils, and work area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition following departmental sanitation policies.
• Minimize food waste and follow departmental sustainability guidelines.
• Obtain food from storage areas.
• Operate various kitchen equipment and machines, and utilize utensils.
• Prepare food for serving and ensure continued food availability.
• Prepare foods using recipes generated from the computerized menu management system.
• Respond to special dietary requests.
• Set up and maintain food preparation area, food serving, and display areas in an attractive and sanitary manner.
• Work various shifts, stations, and scheduled hours, including weekends, holidays, and on-call.
• Remove trash, break down cardboard boxes, and assist in the University recycling efforts.
• Train and direct the work of student employees in performing the characteristic duties.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain safety and sanitation standards in all duties and responsibilities.
• Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact with the public in a friendly, polite, and courteous manner.
• Ability to learn how to cook a variety of foods in large and small quantities.
• Ability to follow safety and sanitation standards and practices.
• Ability to keep accurate records and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow recipes, directions, safety labels, and equipment operations manuals.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge to operate various commercial kitchen equipment, utensils, and machines.
• Six months of experience in commercial food preparation and kitchen work.

Physical Demands

• Bending, carrying, moving, reaching, twisting, balancing, lifting, pulling/pushing, repetitive movement, and standing.