Dining Service Worker

The University of Puget Sound is a prestigious and selective national liberal arts college located in Tacoma, Washington. It serves a diverse student body of approximately 2,600 students drawn from 48 states and 20 countries. The institution is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, as evidenced by its designation as the only nationally ranked independent undergraduate liberal arts college in Western Washington and its distinction as one of only five independent colleges in the Pacific Northwest to have a charter granted by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most esteemed academic honorary society. The university offers a wide array of academic programs, including more than 1,200 courses annually across over 40 traditional and interdisciplinary fields, supplemented by graduate programs in occupational and physical therapy and education. This vibrant academic environment is further enriched by a low student-faculty ratio, which ensures that students receive personalized attention from dedicated faculty members who are deeply committed to teaching and mentorship.

The role of Dining Service Worker (DSW) at the University of Puget Sound is an essential position responsible for maintaining the high standards of food service within the campus dining facilities. This position is based on-campus in Tacoma, WA, and is categorized as a regular, part-time appointment with a 0.75 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), working during the academic year (9 months). The hourly pay range for this position is between $18.80 and $19.90, dependent upon the candidate’s education, experience, and internal equity considerations. The Dining Service Worker plays a critical role in the set-up, operation, and breakdown of various food stations, ensuring that all food preparation, service, and sanitation standards are rigorously followed according to established guidelines and health regulations.

The DSW is cross-trained to work across multiple stations, which may include food preparation and cooking, service of food items to customers, cleaning, and restocking of culinary and service ware. Responsibilities extend to the use of a wide variety of kitchen appliances and equipment such as fryers, griddles, grills, steamers, steam tables, ovens, pasta cookers, soup kettles, woks, hot boxes, dish and pot machines, frozen yogurt machines, and more. Duties also include preparing station menu items following standardized recipes, managing waste and temperature logs, maintaining service utensils and signage, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of both the dining area and kitchen workspaces. The role requires adherence to the standards established by the Pierce County Health Department and Dining & Event Services policies, including maintaining sanitation buckets, recycling procedures, and safe food storage practices to minimize waste.

Additionally, the Dining Service Worker supports and, when necessary, instructs student workers and other staff in food handling and service, thereby fostering a collaborative team environment. The position demands excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to hygiene and safety, and the physical ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and occasionally lift weights up to 35 pounds. This role is vital in providing a positive dining experience for the university community while upholding the institution’s commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, and a respectful campus atmosphere.

The University of Puget Sound also offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance and long-term disability; employee assistance programs; retirement plan options with 403(b) contributions; paid time off including vacation, sick leave, floating and campus holidays; education benefits such as full tuition coverage for eligible employees and their families; and access to university facilities and entertainment including fitness centers, pools, libraries, concerts, and lectures. Candidates are advised that positions working less than 0.75 FTE do not qualify for certain benefits like long-term disability or education benefits, and temporary positions with at least 0.50 FTE may be eligible for benefits. The University enforces comprehensive background checks and physical exams as part of the hiring process.

Overall, this Dining Service Worker opportunity at the University of Puget Sound is ideal for candidates seeking a dynamic and community-focused role within a distinguished liberal arts college, offering not only equitable compensation but also excellent professional development and benefits within a diverse and inclusive workplace environment.