Junior Cashier/Food Aide

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Professional training

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Health and wellness programs

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking reliable, customer-focused team members to support Rootstock cafe and dining operations across the Arboretum. Positions are part-time and temporary, averaging 20 hours per week with evening shifts, including weekends. Primary duties include cashiering, greeting guests, taking orders, and maintaining dining area cleanliness.

Shifts run 4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. with potential cross-location assignments.

Qualifications

• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the assignment.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math and cash-handling skills.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Basic understanding and enthusiasm for the Arboretum and its programs are preferred.
• Flexible availability required. Shifts will be primarily daytime Monday through Sunday but will also require occasional evening shifts.

Responsibilities

• Cashiering
• Greeting guests and customer service
• Filling orders quickly and properly
• Actively communicating with other members of the team.
• Occasional dishwashing
• Clearing / Bussing / Wiping down tables in the dining room as well as cleaning beverage stations.
• Team members will work primarily in Rootstock cafe but may be assigned to various dining locations across the Arboretum campus based on operational and event needs.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Fast-paced environment

Punctual

Flexible availability

Job description

Location

All Other -See Job Description

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

About the Job

We are seeking reliable, customer-focused team members to support quick service dining operations at Rootstock cafe and dining operations across the Arboretum.

• Cashiering
• Greeting guests and customer service
• Filling orders quickly and properly
• Actively communicating with other members of the team.
• Occasional dishwashing
• Clearing / Bussing / Wiping down tables in the dining room as well as cleaning beverage stations.

Team members will work primarily in Rootstock cafe but may be assigned to various dining locations across the Arboretum campus based on operational and event needs.

All employees at any given time may be expected to handle food and beverages including, but not limited to meat (beef, pork, chicken), fish, dairy products, nuts, vegetables, and other food items. Employees are required to follow safety, quality, sanitation, and customer service standards.

Work schedules will vary, averaging 20 hours per week. Typical shifts are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and may include weekends. Overtime and working consecutive Sunday work are not required as conditions of employment.

Please note, this position is not eligible or H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This is a temporary position with an anticipated start date of November 16, 2026, and end date of January 4, 2027.

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the assignment
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Basic math and cash-handling skills
• Dependable and punctual
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Basic understanding and enthusiasm for the Arboretum and its programs are preferred.
• Flexible availability required. Shifts will be primarily daytime Monday through Sunday but will also require occasional evening shifts.

Preferred

• 1 year Previous experience in quick service restaurants preferred
• Exceptional ability to communicate with staff and customers alike

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.41 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.