Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
transportation benefits

Job Description

Columbia University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in New York City, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and vibrant campus community. Within this esteemed university, Columbia Dining Services plays a crucial role by providing high-quality food service across various campus locations, including the Teacher's College building. This department operates with a strong customer-focused culture, aiming to deliver an enjoyable and efficient dining experience to students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. Columbia Dining Services prides itself on its dynamic and progressive environment, fostering teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in food service operations.

The Food Service Worker position at Columbia Dining Services is a Regular, full-time role offering a standard 40-hour workweek, with scheduling based on the operational needs of the Fall Semester. The role is housed within the Teacher's College building and offers a competitive salary range of $23.68 to $25.00 per hour. Compensation for the selected candidate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, training, and departmental budget considerations. This position is classified as Support Staff - Non-Union, reflecting the university’s structured approach toward employee groups.

As a Food Service Worker, the successful candidate will perform a variety of general food service duties, including counter service tasks, food preparation, and sanitation responsibilities. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, this role is essential in maintaining the operational flow of dining services while ensuring compliance with safety and health standards, including those mandated by the New York City Department of Health. The position demands versatility, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to customer service and food safety.

Daily responsibilities will encompass producing and serving assigned menu items, preparing and baking bakery products according to established standards, and managing food supplies through ordering, receiving, and proper storage. Maintaining cleanliness and organization in designated areas, including kitchens, dining rooms, and equipment, is a critical aspect of the role. The Food Service Worker will be expected to operate various equipment properly, such as steamtables, coffee brewers, and fountain machines, ensuring all tools are used and maintained correctly.

Additionally, the role involves supporting catered events by delivering food and supplies, setting up event locations, and performing necessary cleanup and equipment returns after events conclude. The position requires consistent observance of safety protocols and rigorous hygiene practices to uphold the university’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality food services.

Columbia University values diversity and equal opportunity in its hiring practices, actively encouraging applications from qualified local residents, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and members of underrepresented groups. The Food Service Worker role offers an excellent opportunity to join a respected institution where dedication to community and quality service are highly valued. Employees in this position gain experience working in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment that supports professional growth and fosters a positive workplace culture.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or its equivalent
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting and standing for extended periods
  • Ability to work flexible hours based on operational needs
  • Basic English proficiency
  • Adherence to safety and hygiene standards
  • Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Commitment to providing excellent customer service

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in food service or related environment preferred
  • Ability to follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to operate kitchen equipment
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Job Duties

  • Perform general food service work involving varied counter service tasks and food preparation
  • Produce and serve the menu of the day as assigned
  • Prepare and bake a variety of oven-ready bread and bakery items according to manufacturer’s directions and standards
  • Order, receive, and store necessary food supplies and maintain related records
  • Clean, prepare, and maintain order in assigned areas including equipment used on the job
  • Use and maintain tools and equipment properly including steamtables, coffee brewing equipment, fountain machines, and food display cases
  • Sweep and mop floors and remove trash
  • Clean and maintain kitchens, dining rooms, and other assigned areas
  • Wash dishes, pots, and pans
  • Receive customer orders, payments, and serve tables as required
  • Deliver food, beverage, and related supplies to catered event buildings before scheduled start times
  • Deliver and set up drop-off events before scheduled event start times
  • Pick up completed events and return food and equipment to proper area
  • Observe safety standards and practices
  • Follow NYC Department of Health standards
  • Perform related duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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