Catering Server - Virginia State University

Thompson-Hospitality; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia State University’s campus catering team is hiring a Catering Server under Thompson Hospitality. The role focuses on delivering high-quality food and beverage service at a variety of university events, from formal banquets to casual receptions.

You will help set up venues, serve guests, and ensure events run smoothly while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction. You will engage with guests, provide menu information, handle special requests, and participate in post-event cleanup.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Experience in event setup and serving is expected.
• Knowledge of food presentation and portion control is preferred.
• Ability to address guest needs and inquiries effectively.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization at events is important.

Responsibilities

• Set up event venues per client specifications, arranging furniture, decor, and equipment.
• Serve food and drinks following portion, presentation, and quality guidelines.
• Engage with guests, provide menu information, answer inquiries, and accommodate special requests.
• Maintain event cleanliness by clearing tables, cleaning utensils, and resetting for subsequent phases.
• Assist in post-event cleanup and restore venue as directed.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Event setup

Service experience

Food presentation

Portion control

Guest needs

Cleanliness

Job description

Overview

Join our campus catering team as a Catering Server at Virginia State University and be a key player in creating memorable dining experiences at a variety of events across our college community.

As a Catering Server, you’ll deliver outstanding food and beverage service while helping to set the tone for high-quality campus events. From formal banquets to casual receptions, your attention to detail and passion for hospitality will help ensure every event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression.

Responsibilities

• Set up event venues per client specifications, arranging furniture, decor, and equipment.
• Serve food and drinks in accordance with portion, presentation, and quality guidelines, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Engage with guests, providing menu information, addressing inquiries, and accommodating special requests for a positive dining experience.
• Maintain event cleanliness by clearing tables, cleaning utensils, and resetting for subsequent event phases.
• Assist in post-event cleanup, returning the venue to its original state as directed by the event organizer or catering manager.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in event setup and service
• Knowledge of food presentation and portion control
• Ability to address guest needs and inquiries effectively.
• Proficient in maintaining event cleanliness and organization.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk continuously for extended periods during shifts.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting.
• Ability to lift and carry trays, dishes, and supplies weighing up to 25-35 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle glassware, plates, and service tools safely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Tolerance for exposure to heat, noise, and crowded spaces.
• Ability to navigate dining areas quickly and safely.
• Strong balance and coordination while carrying food and beverages.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree - it’s a launchpad for greatness.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.