The Dining Operations Assistant performs and leads event setups, breakdowns and performs other tasks necessary for the successful execution of catering events. Provides leadership, assistance & guidance to other catering hourly staff, both servers as well as utility. Responsible for general cleanliness & upkeep of all catering work areas.

STATUS: Full-Time, 12 Month, With Benefits
FLSA: Non-Exempt
WORK HOURS: Varies: Mornings, evenings, weekends and some holidays required
Minimum Pay: $14.04 / hour

Essential and Related Functions:

• Assists in training & directing of non-exempt, student and other part-time staff for the support of catered events. Provides leadership to wait-staff for execution of multi-course dinners when requested by management.
• Understands and interprets catering event sheets to successfully prepare, setup & execute catering events. Guides colleagues in desired setup requirements to ensure that all event details are understood & proper preparation is made to execute events according to specifications.
• Provides clients with excellent customer service, accommodating needs and desires when possible. Maintains effective working relationships with repeat catering clients.
• Performs and leads event cleanup in a timely manner following dining procedures.
• Ensures compliance with policies and/or laws within the department, university, and the VA Alcohol Beverage Control, in regards of the service of alcoholic beverages.
• Accurately records consumption of alcohol, food consumption, items used & any other event notes at the conclusion of events.
• Assists management in ensuring that other staff both part time & full time understand Virginia Board of Health and dining Services policies and procedures. Leads staff in compliance with dress code and personal hygiene standards for catering. Responsible for cleanliness of catering vehicles and staff adherence to catering vehicle rules and regulations.
• Assists in the management of catering inventories and the organization of service ware, alcohol, paper products and catering décor.
• Responsible for general upkeep & cleaning schedule of all coffee & tea machines in addition to other standard catering service equipment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• Plan and Coordinate - Complies with attendance and work hour standards. Makes an effort to communicate scheduled absences and late arrivals to supervisors in advance. Makes an effort to learn and observe quality/safety/cleanliness standards when handling the University resources (e.g., workspace, equipment, tools, etc.).
• Technical Skills - Performs simple and routine work requiring basic skills and functionality, in a timely, thorough and accurate manner. Readily learns new information, practices and selects correct processes from clearly prescribed rules, standards or instruction. Makes an effort to seek advice and clear non-routine problems with senior work group member and/or supervisors.
• Results Focused - Able to change work habits and approach to a particular task. Presents a positive outlook and is willing to devote the time and effort necessary to get the job done well. Able to quickly identify what needs to be done and takes action before being asked or required to do so.
• Communication and Relations - Able to speak and write clearly (within role requirements) to convey messages effectively. Makes an effort to act on all requests independently and recognizes when to escalate issues/ problems to supervisors. Courteous and prompt when listening and responding to requests and requirements.
• Teamwork - Participates willingly towards accomplishing work group goals. Listens carefully and attentively, encourages and accepts other points of view. Demonstrates respect and concerns for thoughts, feelings and rights of others.

High School degree required with 1-2 years’ experience working in a hospitality industry environment, preferably in catering. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and some holidays and adhere to a flexible schedule based on unit requirements. An Understanding of VA Dept. of Health sanitation and ABC requirements is preferred. Must have strong communications skills and be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, management, students, faculty and staff. Must possess situation awareness and must be able to multi-task. Professional appearance, positive attitude and a team focus are necessary qualities within this role. Ability to read and understand catering documents, and follow detailed instructions. Must be Serve Safe certified or be certified within six months of hire date. Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and a good driving history. Must be able to pass an extensive background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.

Working Conditions:

• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to vibration: Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
• The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• The worker is subject to oils: There is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.

Types of Work:

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Please submit the online application forms. Provide names and contact information for three professional references on the application form. Resume and cover letter are optional. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.