Student Employee, Food Services (9:00AM-2:30PM)

The hiring establishment is a reputable Food Services department within the Business & Auxiliary Services division, focused on providing excellent and efficient food preparation and service operations. This department plays a crucial role in supporting campus life by ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have access to properly prepared meals and beverages in a clean and safe environment. Operating under the guidances of health and safety regulations, the Food Services department emphasizes sanitation, proper cooking techniques, and customer satisfaction. The department is committed to maintaining the highest operational standards for food safety while supporting a diverse and dynamic workplace conducive to student employment opportunities.

This position is designated as a part-time Student Employee role, offering flexible working hours that accommodate academic schedules. The role is scheduled primarily between 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM, with shifts available on select weekdays. The hourly wage is competitive at $15.00 per hour. The role reports directly to the Manager of Food Services and aligns with the non-exempt classification, signifying compliance with Fair Labor Standards for student employment. It is also noted that this is a Federal Work Study (FWS) eligible position, which provides additional financial support options for qualifying students.

As a Student Employee in Food Services, the individual is responsible for various hands-on duties related to food preparation, cooking, and sanitation. The role requires working in multiple food stations such as dishwashing, food prep, grill, fryer, deli, salad bar, specialty coffee shop, and catering, adapting to the department's needs on any given day. The employee will be expected to maintain food safety by monitoring cooking temperatures, adhering to First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory practices, and accurately recording temperature logs. The role also involves the operation and cleaning of kitchen equipment including microwaves, ovens, grills, steam tables, dish machines, and other culinary apparatus.

Cleanliness is a fundamental part of the job, with responsibilities including the cleaning of cafe stations, trash removal, and ensuring sanitary conditions following established protocols. The position mandates completion of the ANSI Food Handlers Certification for the State of Illinois within 30 days of hire, underscoring the importance of formal food safety training. These responsibilities collectively ensure the Food Services department operates efficiently and safely, providing quality food service experiences to the campus community.

The student employee will also need to navigate physical demands such as standing for extended periods, maneuvering heavy objects up to 50 pounds, and climbing ladders up to 8 feet. Work occurs in a busy kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and potentially slippery floors, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols including the use of safety shoes and proper handling of kitchen equipment and knives. This position offers invaluable experience in food service operations, teamwork, customer service, and compliance with health and safety standards, making it an excellent opportunity for students seeking practical work experience while maintaining their academic commitments.