Food Service Sanitation Laborer (0677) [Multiple Positions] [REPOST]

Northern Illinois University; Illinois; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is seeking a Food Service Sanitation Laborer for a 9-month assignment within Campus Dining Service. The role focuses on sanitation, heavy lifting, and routine cleaning in dining facilities across NIU campuses.

Under supervision of Food Service Managers, you will operate sanitation equipment, ensure cleanliness, report repairs, and assist with heavy lifting as part of daily dining operations. High school diploma required; food safety certification preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of cleaning solutions and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of food sanitation methods.
• Ability to move heavy objects.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Willingness to follow instructions.
• Food Handlers Certificate or Food Service Manager Certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Operate sanitation equipment effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
• Wash pots and pans; transport utensils and equipment.
• Report equipment in need of repairs.
• Assist in lifting heavy objects and moving equipment.
• Perform other routine cleaning as assigned.

Skills

Cleaning solutions

Cleaning equipment

Heavy lifting

Math & reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Food Service Sanitation Laborer (0677) [Multiple Positions] [REPOST]

Working Position Title Food Service Sanitation Laborer (0677) [Multiple Positions] [REPOST]

Classification

Classification Food Service Sanitation Laborer

Position Number

Position Number 00000677

Open Date

Open Date 09/21/2026

Close Date

Close Date 10/12/2026

Priority Review Date

Employee Class

Employee Class Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Job code

Job code 0024

Union Representation

Union Representation Union

Union Code

Union Code AFS - AFSCME, Local #963

Unit/Department

Unit/Department Residential Dining Service

College/Unit

College/Unit Campus Dining Service

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

With approximately 16,000 students, Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. NIU strives to improve outcomes for all students by identifying and removing barriers that disproportionately hinder the academic achievement and student experience of historically and currently underserved populations. We commit to proactively meeting the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. NIU’s geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O’Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville – a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Chicago and abroad as well as to students online.

The department of Campus Dining handles all dining services on campus, from residential meal plans to event catering. We provide 2.3 million nutritional meals to students, faculty, staff, and guests each year. We manage over a dozen eating establishments at NIU including residence hall dining, restaurants, and coffee shops at the student center, and the cafe in Barsema Hall. We employ students and professionals who work in our restaurants and cafes.

Position Summary

9-month position (Aug 16-May 15); actual start and end dates may vary based on academic calendar
This position is responsible to perform assigned responsibilities, and to perform routine, sanitation and heavy labor duties. Individual in this position works under the supervision of the Food Service Managers and Assistant Food Service Managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate sanitation equipment effectively and efficiently.

Sanitation

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation by sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing of floors, walk‑in refrigerators, grills, steam kettles, etc.
• Utilize all chemicals in an appropriate and safe manner.

Washing and Transportation

• Wash pots and pans.
• Transport utensils and equipment to and from proper storage area.

Maintenance Reporting

• Report any equipment in need of repairs.

Physical Labor

• Assist in lifting of heavy objects and moving of equipment and furnishings.

Other Routine Cleaning

• Perform other routine cleaning as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of use and operation of cleaning solutions and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of food sanitation methods.
• Ability to move heavy objects.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions.
• Basic mechanical ability.
• Basic math and reading skills.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Food Handlers Certificate or Food Service Manager Certification

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to