On-Call Catering Staff

Roanoke College; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia seeks On-Call Catering Staff to support catering operations, including setup, service, and cleanup for events. The role requires flexible scheduling, professional presentation, and the ability to interact with guests and the RC community.

The position emphasizes safety, sanitation, and teamwork, with required ServSafe Manager, FA​RE, and TIPS certifications to be obtained within six months. Prior catering or hospitality experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.
• Willingness to complete required training (in-person or online).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and timeclock usage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for guest-focused service.
• Catering/foodservice experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent Roanoke College courteously to guests and team members.
• Ensure safety and sanitation standards are followed per VDH and Dining.
• Set up, serve, and clean up catering events as needed.
• Deliver timely and accurate service for catered events.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper storage of catering areas and equipment.
• Assist with advance setup and special event details.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Hospitality experience

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

FARE Certification

TIPS Certification

Job description

Job Description

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College’s new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

The On-Call Catering Staff position primarily supports catering operations with the service of catered events and ensures food and beverages are presented in a safe and attractive manner. This position may perform various tasks associated with events, including setup, service, and clean-up. The On-Call Catering Staff will frequently perform event set-ups, drop-offs, and service. Scheduling for this position is dependent on demand from event volumes, and hours are not consistent from week-to-week. To thrive in this role, a candidate would have the ability to interact with the public, present a professional appearance in a service setting, and have the availability to be flexible on scheduling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Positively represent Roanoke College, treating all guests and team members with courtesy and respect.
• Apply and enforce workplace safety and sanitation standards as instructed by VDH and Dining.
• Cleaning & maintaining equipment for stewardship and safe operation.
• Serves as a representative of Roanoke College, displaying courtesy, tact and respect in all interactions with our students, member of the RC community and with the general public.
• Works closely with supervisor to ensure that all requirements of an event are met.
• Follows proper methods of safety and sanitation as instructed by the VDH and Dining Services.
• Follows policies established by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
• Responsible for assisting with advance setup and special details of catered events.
• Shares responsibility for the cleanliness and order of catering work and storage areas and vehicles.
• Alcohol service, including: opening, dispensing, transporting, and inventorying spirits, beer, and wine.
• Responsible for the timely delivery and clean-up of catered events.
• Responsible for the care and the return of all equipment after each event.
• Work a flexible schedule in accordance with the schedule of events.
• Upon completion of an event, notes final information on the event form.
• Follows and enforces policy and procedures as established by Dining Service management.
• Perform other required duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate– read, write, and speak– effectively in English.
• Must be able to complete required training, which may be offered in-person or online.
• Ability to work with computer hardware and software, Microsoft Office productivity suite (Outlook, Excel, Word); able to receive, read, and respond to emails; and use a timeclock.
• Strong communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Preferred Experience in catering, foodservice, or other industry which requires customer service and commitment to hospitality.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory conviction history background check.
• Have current certification or be able to pass ServSafe Manager and Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) certification exams within 6 months of employment and renew as needed.
• Dining services staff are considered essential personnel. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension due to weather or other emergency conditions, this position is expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to accommodate operational needs.
• Required: Legally able to open, dispense, and transport alcoholic beverages.
• Required: ServSafe Certified Food Handler certificate (or obtain certificate within 6 months).
• Required: TIPS (or other safe alcohol training) Certified (or become Certified within 6 months).