Caterer

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Paid holidays

Vacation & sick leave

Tuition benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire is seeking a full-time Caterer to craft memorable food experiences for events ranging from department functions to VIP gatherings on campus in Durham. The role requires attention to detail, logistics coordination, and professional client interactions with chefs, event coordinators, and student staff.

Responsibilities include planning and staging events, delivering on-site service, and maintaining clean, safe workspaces in a fast-paced university setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food service and catering operations.
• Ability to safely handle, transport, and serve food in accordance with sanitation standards; strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities for coordinating with kitchen staff and event coordinators; physical ability to lift, move, and stand for extended periods during events.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, stage events and room setups.
• Delivery, service, and cleanup of events.
• Clean, organize, maintain workspace and equipment.

Skills

Food service knowledge

Time management

Communication & teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe/Food Handlers certificate (or willingness)

Defensive Driving certificate (or willingness)

TiPS certificate (preferred)

Tools

Certifications & Licenses

Job description

A University Caterer is a full-time service professional responsible for creating memorable food experiences through quality, presentation, and seamless service for events ranging from department functions to large-scale VIP gatherings. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent time management, the ability to coordinate logistics, and a high degree of professionalism in client interactions. The Caterer works both independently and collaboratively with chefs, event coordinators, and student staff to deliver a catering experience that reflects the university’s values and enhances the campus experience.

Duties/Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, stage events and room setups (40%)

• Plans delivery of catering events by working closely with kitchen staff and university event coordinators and ensure rooms, equipment, and service areas are properly set up, staged, and ready to support successful events.

Delivery, service, and cleanup of events (30%)

• Delivers catering services for university events by transporting food, beverages, and equipment; providing on-site food and beverage service in a professional manner; and ensuring timely breakdown, cleanup, and proper sanitation of event spaces and equipment following each event.

Clean, organize, maintain workspace and equipment (30%)

• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment by routinely cleaning and sanitizing kitchens, storage areas, and service equipment; properly storing supplies; performing basic equipment care; and following university health, safety, and sanitation standards.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license
• Food Handlers Certificate or ServSafe Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Defensive Driving Certificate (or willingness to obtain)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of food service and catering operations.
• Ability to safely handle, transport, and serve food in accordance with sanitation standards; strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities for coordinating with kitchen staff and event coordinators; and the physical ability to lift, move, and stand for extended periods while delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced university environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certificate
• TiPS Certificate

Why Work With Us?

• Be part of a welcoming, student-centered campus community
• Enjoy consistent full-time hours with a strong benefits package including free tuition
• Access to professional development and training opportunities
• Free meals while on shift
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Beautiful campus setting with events that keep things exciting

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range

$14.07 - $23.09

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location

Durham