Banquet Server

Rice University

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 20,457 - 29,136

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Rice University is looking for a full-time Banquet Server to provide exceptional service at the Faculty Club in Houston, TX. Responsibilities include setup for events, ensuring cleanliness, and making sure all service standards are met. The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience in food and event services and holds a Certified Food Handler’s Permit. This position requires availability for varied working hours including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Two or more years of related experience in food and event services.
Certified Food Handler’s Permit issued by the City of Houston Health Department.

Responsibilities

Provide setup for events at the Faculty Club.
Ensure delivery of quality service and address customer concerns.
Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of the dining rooms.

Skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good communication and customer service skills

Basic wine knowledge

Knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service standards

Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Point of sales system

Job description

Position Summary

The banquet server is responsible for providing set up for events at the Faculty Club while providing outstanding service to all clients during both luncheon service and private events. This person assists on luncheons for the University, the President of the University, the Board of Trustees, Rice Women’s Club, club members, and guests. As part of the wait staff, they ensure delivery of quality service in a productive manner and ensure that any customer concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner. The banquet server maintains the correct appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms, checks the maintenance of all equipment in the dining room, and reports deficiencies.

Working hours expectation: Minimum Monday to Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Weekly schedule will vary and will include working late evenings and weekends. Must be available to work any required shift.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and two years of related experience preferably in a banquet environment. H/She should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.

Workplace Requirements

Work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to temperature extremes.
Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, dough sheeter, tortilla machine, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Physical Demands

Light to moderate physical activity, which includes the ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, climb, balance stand, and walk up to 8 hours a day. Other physical requirements of the job include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Workplace Location

Work location: Faculty Club @ Cohen House. This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Hiring Rate

$18.00 per hour

Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

High School Diploma or equivalent
Two or more (2+) years of related experience in food and event services (no substitution for education or experience allowed)
Certified Food Handler’s Permit as issued by the City of Houston Health Department

Skills

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
- Demonstrated creativity, problem‑solving skills, taking initiative, judgment, and decision‑making skills
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Well‑organized and detail-oriented
- Basic wine knowledge
- Knowledge of food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and etiquette
- Knowledge and experience using point of sales system

Preferences

Experience as a bartender
Forbes Standards of Service knowledge

Essential Functions

Inspects the appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms
Regularly inspects all front- and back-of-the-house service areas and equipment to assure that sanitation, safety, energy management, preventive maintenance and other standards for the department are met.
Closes out all luncheon tickets, ensures all tickets are accounted for, and resolves any ticketing issues
Works closely with Banquet Captains and Events Manager during special events ensuring all details are completed (layout, food, flowers, music, cake, etc.)
Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

Ensures customer satisfaction by checking tables throughout service times and resolving any member/guest complaints that may arise
Serves alcohol at events
Organizes, tracks, and monitors the Cohen House inventory of silver, china, crystal, liquor and linens
Assists with the breakdown after the completion of functions
Ensures that wait staff return all equipment to the storage areas and the rooms are left clean and tidy
Ensures that the dining room and other club areas are secure at the end of the business day
Inspects table place settings, including table linen, china, glass, silverware and condiments for correct placement and ensures that each element is clean, undamaged and attractive

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

Job Info