Lead Food Service Worker

University of Texas; Utah; On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid basic medical coverage

Free Capital Metro bus rides

Retirement contributions

Uniform provided

Longevity pay

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Career growth & professional develop.

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is hiring a Lead Food Service Worker to support daily dining operations at UT MAIN CAMPUS. You will lead staff during service, train on safety and service standards, and ensure high-quality food and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities include managing shifts, maintaining safety and inventory, and delivering excellent service while using POS systems to process transactions.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working and preparing food in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional facility.
• Experience training or leading staff in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional food facility.
• Experience with operating standard kitchen equipment.
• Ability to complete and maintain Food Safety Training required by University Housing and Dining.

Responsibilities

• Lead dining staff during meal service and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
• Train staff on food handling, safety procedures, and customer service expectations.
• Manage daily area work assignments for smooth workflow.
• Maintain knowledge of all areas of responsibility and assist in various dining units as needed.
• Prepare, cook, and serve a variety of meals in a high-volume environment.
• Operate the POS system and handle meal plans, cash, and card transactions accurately.

Skills

Leadership experience

Food preparation

Food safety training

Customer service

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Job Posting Title: Lead Food Service Worker

Hiring Department: University Housing and Dining

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: To Be Determined at Offer

Earliest Start Date: Ongoing

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

General Notes SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL: This position is eligible for $2.00 per hour shift differential pay for hours worked during designated evening and weekend shifts in accordance with university guidelines.

BENEFITS

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage at hire
• Free Capital Metro bus rides
• Retirement contributions
• Uniform provided
• Longevity pay
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Career growth & professional development

Purpose The Lead Food Service Worker supports the daily operations of the varying types of food service operations. Assists in leading dining staff by ensuring high-quality food preparation, compliance with food safety, and overall customer service.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading dining staff by providing direction during meal service and ensuring assigned tasks are completed efficiently.
• Train new and existing staff on proper food handling, safety procedures, customer service expectations, and station setup.
• Manage daily area work assignments ensuring smooth workflow.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with staff, supervisors, and/or customers throughout shift.
• Maintain current knowledge of all areas of responsibility.
• Provide support throughout the dining units as needed.
• Assist in preparing, cooking, and serving a variety of meals in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Serve high-quality food products which may include performing short-order, made-to-order cooking, and customized drinks using commercial production and kitchen equipment.
• Read, follow, and execute recipes based on culinary standards.
• Maintain concise menu and product knowledge and ensure customer satisfaction with drink/food quality.
• Set up, stock, clean, and replenish the serving area before/during service.
• Break down and clean all serving areas, workstations, and equipment after service.
• Restock shelves, beverage stations, and convenience store merchandise as needed.
• Ensure detailed cleaning tasks are completed throughout the shift.
• Track inventory levels, assist with ordering supplies, and minimize food waste.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by greeting and assisting customers, ensuring a professional and enthusiastic demeanor.
• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system, process meal plan, cash, and credit card transactions accurately.
• Monitor food presentation and quality, maintaining portion control and attractive display standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Store food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, and rotation procedures.
• Maintain temperature logs throughout shift and ensures food is cooked and maintains appropriate temperature throughout service.
• Avoid cross-contamination and actively monitor food levels and quality.
• Follow work safety guidelines and utilize proper PPE as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, service areas, and dining spaces.
• Maintain and replenish service supplies, including condiments and napkins.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in all areas, including dining rooms, kitchens, dish areas, and bathrooms.
• Tasks include but not limited to sweeping, mopping, cleaning surfaces, walls, and windows.
• Report emergencies and equipment issues.
• Adhere to University policies regarding time and attendance, training, and compliance.
• Complete and maintain required food safety training, including Texas Food Handler Safety.
• Adhere to UHD cash handling guidelines.
• Complete paperwork related to cashier operation, including transfer of funds reports, closing reports, cash reconciliation sheets, and deposit envelopes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience working and preparing food in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional facility.
• Experience training or leading staff in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional food facility.
• Experience with operating standard kitchen equipment.
• Ability to complete and maintain Food Safety Training required by University Housing and Dining.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working and preparing food in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional facility using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Two years or more of experience as a cashier in a food service operation utilizing point-of-sale (POS) systems.
• One or more years of experience training or leading staff in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional food facility.
• Customer service experience in a high-volume food service operation.
• Experience following recipes.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work with little supervision.

Salary Range

$45,760 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished). May work in extreme temperatures. May work around biohazards. May work around chemicals. Use of manual dexterity. Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Pushing, pulling, and moving up to 50 pounds. Lifting and moving up to 62 pounds. The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete testing for strength and agility prior to employment.

Work Shift

Workdays, area, and work hours may vary based on the needs of the unit and University Housing and Dining (UHD).

Required Materials

• Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World

At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus.