Dining Hall Worker

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University Park Residential Dining is seeking a dedicated Dining Hall Worker for full-time employment. The role involves cleaning, dish handling, meal service setup, and assisting with daily operations in a busy campus dining environment.

Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness, supporting serving lines, and using basic kitchen equipment. The position requires reliability, attention to safety, and the ability to work varied shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service or cleaning is helpful.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks accurately and safely.
• Able to read and follow simple instructions and gauges.

Responsibilities

• Prepare machines and set up dining hall serving areas.
• Clean and wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Set up counters and replenish serving lines; serve food and beverages.
• Return utensils and dishes to kitchen after meals; maintain clean work spaces.
• Operate basic kitchen equipment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance.
• Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules and safety guidelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to follow instructions

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State University Park Residential Dining is searching for a full time Dining Hall Worker to join their team. Duties include:

• Prepare machines for operations; report malfunctions to supervisor; drain and clean machines
• Clean and wash soiled dishes, glasses, silverware, trays, utensils, conveyor belts and other equipment
• Remove, stack and store clean dishes in proper areas
• Bleach or otherwise remove stains from china and glasses, as scheduled; polish brass, stainless steel, etc.; Clean, burnish and detarnish silver
• Wash, scour, rinse, dry and properly store pots and pans used in preparation of meals
• Set up dining hall serving counters, beverage and condiment stations, with appropriate food, beverage, ice and supplies; replenish serving lines with silver, trays, napkins and dishes, as needed
• Serve food and/or beverages in posted portion sizes; turn warmer units on or off before and after each meal
• Return food, dishes, utensils, etc. to kitchen when serving line is closed
• Operate kitchen equipment such as potato peeler, dish machine, scrubbing machine, buffer, etc.
• Clean, sweep, mop, wax and buff, strip and seal assigned areas, such as floors in dining rooms, around counters, traffic areas, stairs and basement floors, following daily and weekly periodic cleaning schedules
• Use ladders and scaffolding in the cleaning of windows, ceilings, walls and light fixtures; also replace light bulbs, when necessary
• Clean various locations, such as offices, kitchen areas, snack bars, serving pantry, linen room, rest rooms, receiving dock, garbage areas, elevators, storerooms, stairwells, etc.
• Collect and remove refuse, garbage, etc. to be designated locations; operate incinerators and disposals, as required
• Assist in unloading and distributing incoming supplies and taking inventory
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly condition
• Make minor adjustments such as tightening screws, adjusting belts, replacing cotter keys, screws, etc.
• Report any malfunction or damage to equipment, furnishings or facilities to supervisor
• Perform other duties related or similar to the type described above

Job Requirements: Requires the use of simple writing, adding, subtracting, whole numbers and the carrying out of instructions; and the use of fixed gauges and direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required. Up to 3 months of effective experience.

Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

These positions are part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines