Dining Room Coordinator

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College is seeking a dedicated dining services staff member to serve students and guests, ensure proper meal service, and maintain cleanliness in dining areas. The ideal candidate should have customer service experience, preferably in a fine dining environment, and a high-school education.

This regular position offers a competitive hourly wage starting at $22.30 under a collective bargaining agreement. Applicants are required to maintain necessary certifications and adhere to health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic functions.
• Front-of-house experience in a fine dining establishment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve students and guests in dining facilities.
• Prepare dining area for meal service.
• Monitor dining area during service for quality and sanitary conditions.
• Train and instruct student workers in dining service duties.

Skills

Customer service experience

Ability to communicate effectively

Interpersonal skills

Basic computer skills

Physical strength to lift 25 pounds

Education

High-school education or vocational school education

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Essential Functions

• Serve students and guests in dining facilities.
• Prepare dining area for meal service by setting up equipment, tableware, and food display according to the menu.
• Deliver food to the service area in a sequential manner to maintain proper temperature.
• Set up ancillary items and decorate for themed or special dinners.
• Monitor the dining area during service to ensure adequate food quantities, sanitary conditions, and proper customer check‑in.
• Store food items properly after service and prepare service areas for the next meal.
• Assist in the preparation and service of special dinners and functions.
• Train, instruct, and develop student workers in dining service duties and verify student payrolls.
• Demonstrate safe work habits, set pace, and establish quality expectations for work.
• Maintain dish pantry, storage, serving, and dining areas through dishwashing, cleaning, sanitizing equipment, vacuuming, mopping, and waste disposal.
• Set up and maintain dining access system, welcome guests, examine ID cards, collect guest meal money, and record meal counts accurately.
• Order, receive, and store linen and supplies; inventory china, silverware, equipment, and glassware.
• Submit work orders to the Chef or Area Manager and follow opening and closing procedures for public space.
• Project a positive public image and utilize computer to access allergen information and print required labels.
• Communicate professionally and discreetly with staff, students, house leaders, guests, and Area Manager.
• Update menu board information and utilize email and computer access responsibly.
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as assigned; complete payroll and scheduling forms within deadlines.
• Perform related or relevant tasks and foster teamwork and collaboration among co‑workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of high‑school education or vocational school education and a minimum of 2 years of combined educational and/or commercial experience in the hospitality industry.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.
• Banquet waitperson experience or front‑of‑house experience in a fine dining establishment and experience in customer service positions.
• ServSafe Certification (or culinary experience) preferred.
• Requirements consistent with responsibilities and duties in the food service profession and adherence to all state and federal guidelines.

Skills and Physical Requirements

• Ability to tolerate exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, high noise levels, heat and humidity.
• Demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to lift and move up to 25 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods, bend, reach, pull, and push.
• Be mobile between work stations and dining areas.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and good vision with or without correction.
• Practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and college policy.
• Obtain ServSafe, Food Allergen, and Anti‑Choke certifications within one year of hiring and maintain them.
• Adhere to sustainability initiatives set by the department.
• Possess basic computer skills: receiving and sending email, ordering supplies, and sign making.

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step1 hourly rate is $22.30. New hires are typically placed at Step1.

Position Type

Regular

Equal Opportunity Employer

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law.