Job Overview
Employment Type
Hourly
Seasonal
Compensation
Hourly
Range $18.00 - $21.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
hourly wage
flexible schedule
Opportunity to work in educational environment
Experience in catering and event support
supportive work culture
Equal employment opportunity
ADA accommodations available
Job Description
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive, public university located in Naperville, Illinois, offering a wide range of academic programs and services to foster student success and community engagement. NIU is recognized for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The Naperville campus plays an essential role in providing educational and community-centered services in the region. NIU prides itself on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both students and staff, ensuring diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth.
The Food Services position at NIU Naperville is a seasonal role that plays a critical part in supporting the university's conference and catering operations. This role involves working under the Catering Supervisor to assist in the preparation, setup, and execution of catering break services, lunches, dinners, and receptions for conference clients. The position requires a dependable individual who can work independently with minimal supervision, maintaining high standards of service and food quality. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills since they will have regular contact with conference clients and guests, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment. Reliability, conscientiousness, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential traits for success in this role.
Working hours are flexible depending on business demand, with building operational hours from Monday to Thursday 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The hourly wage ranges between $18.00 and $21.00 per hour. The responsibilities of this role comprise approximately 70% food service execution, including meal preparation, service, and cleanup; 20% assisting with event setup and ensuring readiness of catering stations; 5% providing on-site audio/visual and technical assistance; and 5% acting as a front desk attendant handling building opening/closing and client interactions.
In addition to physical tasks such as lifting up to 25 pounds, this role also involves managing inventory, ordering supplies from vendors, and collaborating with various stakeholders to design event spaces that meet client needs. The position requires previous experience in catering or similar food service environments, ideally within banquet facilities or hotels, and a high school diploma or equivalent education. Northern Illinois University is committed to equal employment opportunities and nondiscrimination, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities and ensuring a safe and compliant workplace environment. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to NIU’s successful event operations while gaining valuable experience in food service and event coordination within an academic setting.
The Food Services position at NIU Naperville is a seasonal role that plays a critical part in supporting the university's conference and catering operations. This role involves working under the Catering Supervisor to assist in the preparation, setup, and execution of catering break services, lunches, dinners, and receptions for conference clients. The position requires a dependable individual who can work independently with minimal supervision, maintaining high standards of service and food quality. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills since they will have regular contact with conference clients and guests, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment. Reliability, conscientiousness, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential traits for success in this role.
Working hours are flexible depending on business demand, with building operational hours from Monday to Thursday 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The hourly wage ranges between $18.00 and $21.00 per hour. The responsibilities of this role comprise approximately 70% food service execution, including meal preparation, service, and cleanup; 20% assisting with event setup and ensuring readiness of catering stations; 5% providing on-site audio/visual and technical assistance; and 5% acting as a front desk attendant handling building opening/closing and client interactions.
In addition to physical tasks such as lifting up to 25 pounds, this role also involves managing inventory, ordering supplies from vendors, and collaborating with various stakeholders to design event spaces that meet client needs. The position requires previous experience in catering or similar food service environments, ideally within banquet facilities or hotels, and a high school diploma or equivalent education. Northern Illinois University is committed to equal employment opportunities and nondiscrimination, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities and ensuring a safe and compliant workplace environment. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to NIU’s successful event operations while gaining valuable experience in food service and event coordination within an academic setting.
Job Requirements
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds
- Availability to work flexible hours including early mornings evenings and weekends
- Previous industry experience preferred
- Must pass background check
- Eligibility to work in the United States
- Ability to provide excellent customer service
- Basic technical skills for audiovisual setup
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous catering or server experience preferred
- Experience in banquet facilities or hotel environment preferred
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with little supervision
- Reliable and conscientious with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
Job Duties
- Assist in preparation setup and cleaning for catering breaks lunches dinners and special events
- Greet clients and monitor quality of catered food
- Arrange replenish and breakdown catering stations and clean kitchen equipment
- Prepare setup for next-day events and communicate information to evening staff
- Conduct weekly inventory and order food supplies and paper products from vendors
- Manage entire catering operation in absence of Catering Supervisor or Event Coordinator
- Design and decorate break areas and dining rooms
- Provide onsite audiovisual and technical support including projector and sound system setup
- Act as front desk attendant performing building opening closing greeting clients phone inquiries and billing tasks
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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