Food & Beverage Associate

Rockford Park District; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Rockford Park District is seeking a Food & Beverage Associate for seasonal service across multiple park locations. The role emphasizes friendly customer service, basic food prep, and maintaining clean, safe service areas.

The position requires the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, with up to 20 hours per week, and includes alcohol sales responsibilities for employees 21+. Training and certifications may be required.

Qualifications

• Food service or cash handling experience preferred.
• Must be a minimum of 16 years old.
• Available to work up to 20 hours per week (weather permitting).
• Available to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Promote, maintain, and enforce proper food handling and preparation procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and customer experience standards.
• Follow sanitation guidelines when prepping, cooking, or grilling.
• Communicate with guests and staff regarding policies and information.
• Handle cash transactions according to standards and protocols.
• Collaborate with team to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Food preparation

Bilingual

Team player

Reliable transportation

Job description

Brief Description

Brief DescriptionTitleFood & Beverage AssociateDepartmentFood & BeverageStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToFood & Beverage SupervisorWage$15/hourPosition DescriptionProvides excellent customer service, assist with food preparation and service, and maintain cleanliness in Park District food service areas.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to “help people enjoy life” by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Responsible for promoting, maintaining, and enforcing proper food handling and preparation procedures, rules, and regulations as set forth by the State of Illinois and the Winnebago County Health Dept.
• Maintains excellence in food preparation, safety, cleanliness, and customer experience standards.
• Follow food sanitation guidelines and procedures when prepping, cooking or grilling food.
• Communicate daily with guests on a one-to-one basis in a professional, courteous manner providing accurate information regarding facility information and policies.
• Communicates daily with the Supervisory Staff related to inventory needs, supplies, concerns, and questions.
• Complete daily tasks and checklists efficiently and accurately.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism at all times.
• Handles cash transactions in accordance with established standards and protocols.
• Collaborate with fellow team members within the facility to facilitate seamless daily operations, including assisting with tasks as needed and maintaining a cooperative work environment.
• Conducts oneself in a safe and proper manner, adhering to all safety guidelines, policies and procedures.
• If 21 years old or older, required to be able to sell alcohol.
• May work unusual hours, including evening private parties, weekends and all holidays in a fast-paced atmosphere.
• Knowledgeable of all Rockford Park District Personnel Policies and departmental operational policies as they pertain to their role and consistent in following through with them in a professional manner.
• Utilize the Rockford Park District's HRIS system for all HR and payroll-related requirements and to accurately clock in and out for all shifts.
• Attends all departmental trainings and meetings.
• Understands and has the ability to follow and implement the Rockford Park District’s Emergency Response Plan.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/Experience

Food Service Or Cash Handling Experience Preferred.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must be a minimum of 16 years old
• Must be available to work up to 20 hours per week (weather permitting)
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to provide customers with expert care, sensitive consideration, and efficient service
• Must have reliable transportation, work will fluctuate between various facilities throughout the Park District.
• Good oral communication skills
• Must have good organizational skills
• Cash handling experience a plus
• Bilingual language abilities a plus
• Creative and energetic
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees
• Good interpersonal skills which include working effectively as a team player strong work ethic required
• Obtain Food Handlers Certification (May be attained after hiring)
• If 21 years of age- Illinois Basset Certificate Training Required (May be attained after hiring)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Medium Work:

• Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily stationed outdoors; regular exposure to dirt, noise, and temperature and weather extremes.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, and problem solve.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.

Summary

Provides excellent customer service, assist with food preparation and service, and maintain cleanliness in Park District food service areas.