General Service

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 39,950; Part time

Job summary

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) is seeking staff for General Service roles across Front-of-House, Bus Person, and Dishroom. Responsibilities include maintaining stations, stocking supplies, enforcing sanitation, and assisting with events on campus.

Must meet basic qualifications and have ServSafe certification within a year. Weekday evenings vary; this role supports a safe, welcoming dining experience for students and staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Must have basic math skills and ability to read thermometers and other measuring devices.
• Must follow directions and be neat in appearance.
• Must work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have strong multi-tasking and customer-service skills.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and maintains assigned station before, during and after meal periods.
• Keeps serving areas supplied with clean dishware, glasses, silverware, trays and other supplies.
• Monitors serving lines to ensure quality and quantity meet demand.
• Communicates with Supervising Manager about food quality and availability.
• Directs guests to safe menu items considering allergies/intolerances.

Skills

customer service

communication

teamwork

multitasking

attention to detail

ServSafe certification

food service experience

university experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Job Description

• Sets up and maintains assigned station before, during and after meal periods.
• Keeps serving areas supplied with clean dishware, glasses, silverware, trays and other supplies needed during meals.
• Monitors serving lines during meals to ensure quality and quantity is suitable to provide for customer demand.
• Communicates in a timely manner to Supervising Manager or Person‑in‑Charge concerning food quality and issues of keeping food on the hot and cold food stations abundant during meal periods.
• Notifies staff responsible for preparing food of needs prior to running out.
• Utilizing knowledge of food allergies/intolerances, directs students/guests to safe menu items and food storage areas such as refrigeration, freezer, and dry storage. Informs students/guests on foods to avoid by knowing the menu items and the ingredient listings or by referring them to the person in charge.
• Maintains safe area by displaying wet floor signs and promptly responding to spills and breakages.
• Cleans and sanitizes surface areas including but not limited to walls, cabinets, countertops, shelving, refrigeration and freezer units.
• Keeps all storage areas organized and clean.
• Leaves workstations clean and re‑stocked.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies, including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Recycles per policy and procedure, empties trash and cleans receptacles.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to management or person in charge.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• Supports all events as assigned to include, but not limited to, setup, execution and cleanup.
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and spirit of cooperation.
• Attends trainings as assigned.
• Maintains current certifications as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

NOTE: The General Service position is comprised of three main functions: Front‑of‑House, Bus Person, Dishroom. In addition to the responsibilities above, employees will be required to perform in any of the following areas:

Bus Person

• Maintains, fills and restocks all stations as needed.
• Cleans, sanitizes and maintains soft‑serve machine ensuring all local regulations are adhered to.
• Records temperature of soft‑serve machine.
• Sweeps, mops or vacuums floors in serving and dining area.
• Keeps all beverage machines and equipment in serving area clean and sanitized.

Dishroom

• Maintains and fills all necessary chemicals and detergent.
• Fills, empties, cleans and delimes dish machine.
• Responsible for all ware‑washing and sanitation of all food and non‑food contact surfaces.
• During meal periods, checks temperature of dish machine tanks to ensure accuracy for wash and final rinse. Accurately record temperature in log book as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
• Sweeps, mops or vacuums floor in dishroom and tray drop‑off (conveyor belt) area.
• Keeps all equipment in dishroom clean and sanitized including dish racks, carts and caddies.
• Cleans tables, conveyor belt and disposal units.

Front‑of‑House

• Ensures food is properly labeled, garnished and utensils are in place.
• Keeps serving and dining areas clean. Replenishes napkin holders and salt/pepper shakers.

Physical Requirements

• Routine: must be able to lift 50 lbs. without restrictions. Continuous: standing, walking, lifting, manual dexterity, reaching, handling, bending.
• Frequent: push/pull, bending, ascending and descending stairs and ladders.
• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting, kneeling.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers and other measuring devices.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must be able to work independently as part of a team.
• Must have strong multi‑tasking skills.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team, and guests.
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced diverse environment.
• Must be customer‑service oriented, able and willing to provide customers with the best possible dining experience.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
• Must be customer‑service oriented.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• ServSafe certification within one year of employment.
• At least one year of related food industry experience.
• Previous experience working at a university preferred.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 26 hours per week

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (General Service)
• Tuesday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Kitchen Person)

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 26.77 – 28.77

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, References

Other Information: Emergency Status Designation: Essential

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.