Food Service Associate: Customer Service, Prep & Beverages

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,288 - 48,528; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking a Food Service Worker 1 to join their Housing & Food Services team. You will work in a dynamic, high-volume food service environment, providing excellent customer service, assembling food items, and maintaining cleanliness.

This role requires the ability to manage various tasks, such as assisting cooks and operating a point of sale system. Responsibilities include food preparation and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. A Washington State Food Worker Card is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card within two weeks of employment.
• Experience in a fast-paced food service environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food items and ensure cleanliness of the workstation.
• Provide excellent customer service and handle cash transactions.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Customer service

Food preparation

Point of sale operation

Sanitation standards

Education

Washington State Food Worker Card

Job description

Job Description

Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Food Service Worker 1 to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to Executive Chef/Manager, the Food Service Worker 1 works as a key team member in a dynamic, high volume food service environment with other full-time and student employees. The Food Service Worker 1 is responsible for providing customer service for guests, assembling and serving food items, preparing beverages, assisting cooks in preparation and production of menu items, cashiering and maintaining cleanliness.

Job Description

Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Food Service Worker 1 to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to Executive Chef/Manager, the Food Service Worker 1 works as a key team member in a dynamic, high volume food service environment with other full-time and student employees. The Food Service Worker 1 is responsible for providing customer service for guests, assembling and serving food items, preparing beverages, assisting cooks in preparation and production of menu items, cashiering and maintaining cleanliness.

There are 9-month or 11.5-month cyclic positions available. These positions are located at various UW Dining venues. The Food Service Worker 1 position is 100% onsite and is not eligible for remote work.

This requisition supports multiple opportunities and shifts, and that will be discussed during the interview process. Schedules may be changed with two weeks’ notice.

Key Responsibilities

Food Service Operations – 70%

• Perform basic preparation including, paring fruits and vegetables, reheating refrigerated or frozen soups, assembling sandwiches and salads, toasting bread, preparing hot and cold beverages and/or packaging grab and go items.
• Set up the workstation and/or display counters for preparation and service, based on production sheets and established plans.
• Receive customer orders and answer questions about ingredients, recipes and pricing.
• Gather, assemble, package, and serve menu items to customer order.
• Prepare specialty beverages to customer order.
• Operate point of sale system, accurately key in sales and take payment. Maintain compliance with all PCI training requirements and standards.
• May participate in inventory.
  
  

Cleaning, Food Safety and Sanitation – 30%

• Restock and rotate station according to established plans, par levels and food handling policies and procedures.
• Continuously clean, sanitize and maintain order of workstation, prep areas, service counters and seating areas.
• Continuously clean and maintain order of workstation and prep areas, including sweeping and mopping.
  
  

This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Possession of, or eligible to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card within two weeks of employment.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
  
  

Working Conditions

Working conditions within UW Dining are dynamic and fast-paced, with employees contributing across a range of environments—including large residential dining facilities, cafés, restaurants, and convenience or grocery-style markets—based on operational needs. Work assignments may shift to support business demands and ensure an exceptional customer experience across all locations. The program follows the rhythm of the University of Washington academic calendar, with peak operations occurring from mid-September through mid-June; as a result, employees are expected to prioritize availability during this period, with extended time off planned around academic breaks or outside of the academic year.

About The Team

University of Washington Dining, part of Housing & Food Services (HFS), is a dynamic, student-centered program serving one of the nation’s leading public universities, offering a diverse portfolio of dining experiences across 30+ locations including residential dining halls, cafés, markets, and restaurants. Focused on fueling student success, UW Dining delivers fresh, nutritious, and globally inspired cuisine while creating inclusive community spaces and hands-on employment opportunities for hundreds of students each year.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$45,144.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$49,500.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

WFSE Campuswide

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.