Dining Services/Production Assistant

University-of-Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Lynchburg is seeking a Temporary Dining Services Service Production Assistant to provide scheduled or on-call help in food production and service. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards of food safety, supporting all dining operations, and assisting with events and catering as needed.

Qualified candidates should have a high school-equivalent education and prior experience in food service is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced food service environment.
• Willingness to learn safety and sanitation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food production and service areas as needed.
• Support dish room, utility, beverage station, and catering operations.
• Load, operate, and maintain dishwasher equipment; ensure cleanliness and sanitation.
• Set up, serve, and break down during events and peak service periods.
• Follow recipes, production schedules, and supervisor instructions.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Dining Services-Service Production AssistantThe University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for Temporary Dining Services Service Production Assistant position in Dining Services.This position reports to, is supervised by, and evaluated by the Dining Services Manager. The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will be carried out by the Production Assistant. It will include the specific duties and responsibilities of this position description plus employee attitude and general working behavior.Job Type: Temporary (Non-Benefits Eligible)Job Purpose: Provides scheduled or "as needed" assistance in food production and/or service areas for dining operations.Specific Job Duties:Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness in all food preparation, service, and dining areas in compliance with Virginia Department of Health regulations.Provide support across all Dining Services operations, including dish room, utility, beverage station, food production, serving line, and catering, as operational needs require.Prepare the dish room for service prior to each meal by ensuring equipment and workstations are clean, organized, and ready for operation.Load and operate commercial dishwashing equipment to maximize cleaning efficiency while minimizing breakage of dishware, glassware, and utensils.Inspect all cleaned items to ensure quality standards are met before returning them to designated storage or service areas.Maintain cleanliness of dishwashing equipment by cleaning conveyor belts, dish accumulators, and both the interior and exterior of machines after each meal.Assist with draining, disassembling, and thoroughly cleaning dishwashing equipment at the end of each day.Clean and sanitize floors, walls, tables, and other dining room surfaces after each meal service.Vacuum and maintain dining room floors to ensure a clean, welcoming environment.Routinely monitor dish room and dining areas for cleanliness, promptly removing litter, debris, and trash and transporting waste to designated collection areas.Assist with the setup, service, and breakdown of catered events and special functions.Participate in required training related to food safety, chemical handling, equipment operation, and workplace safety.Assist in the preparation of baked goods and specialty bakery items for student dining and catered events in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, and batch cooking procedures.Support food production by following standardized recipes, preparation procedures, and supervisor instructions.Assist serving line staff during peak service periods to ensure efficient customer service.Ensure all hot foods are maintained and served at proper hot holding temperatures and all cold foods are maintained and served at proper cold holding temperatures in accordance with food safety standards.Maintain organized storage areas by properly stocking, labeling, and rotating inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices.Perform daily setup, breakdown, cleaning, and sanitation of kitchen equipment, workstations, and production areas.Promptly report equipment malfunctions, maintenance concerns, safety hazards, or sanitation issues to the appropriate supervisor.Demonstrate flexibility by performing other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support Dining Services operations.Starting Salary: $13.00-$14.00 an hourSchedule:Flexibility to include nights and weekends is required. Overtime may be necessary due to time pressures.Experience/Skills:Ability to communicate effectively and have the ability to understand, comprehend and follow directionsMust have good teamwork skillsPhysical Demands:Prolonged standing/setting/wrist movementAbility to lift 40 lbs.Confined work areas with humid, extreme temperature ranges.Frequent exposure to various cleaning chemicals, smoke, spices and odorsEquipment UsedPrimary EquipmentCommercial dish machineDish cartsVacuum cleanerSecondary EquipmentHot and cold food service wells and holding unitsTemperature probesFrozen dessert machinesCommercial dining services equipmentUtility cartsGolf cartStandard commercial kitchen equipmentManuals, Policies, and Regulatory ReferencesEmployees are expected to understand, follow, and comply with applicable departmental policies and regulatory requirements, including:Dining Services Operations ManualOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulationsState and local Health Department regulationsMaterial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirementsVirginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (VA ABC) guidelines, as applicableEmployee Handbook and Personnel Policies and ProceduresRequired Qualifications:Experience working in food service operations preferred, but not requiredEducation:High school equivalent and experienceWork Remotely:NoWe seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University.Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to:Human Resources Jobs PageThe University of Lynchburg is dedicated to inclusive excellence. We celebrate the diversity of our common life, affirming our different histories, realities, and identities. All belong here.As a testament to our strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, we will attract, celebrate, and retain a community of diverse students, staff, and faculty; foster belonging; and create a campus environment that embraces civil discourse and accountability for our words and actions.The University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive.The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.