Senior Food Service Worker (Limited Pool)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 28,998 - 34,674; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking staff to perform semi-skilled food preparation, serving, and general maintenance in a kitchen or dining area. Responsibilities include daily food production, maintaining records, and ensuring safety and quality standards.

The role involves training and oversight of student workers, as well as cash handling and customer service within UC Merced dining operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years culinary experience in a high-volume culinary environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
• Ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to enter information into data terminals.

Responsibilities

• Prepares assigned simple culinary duties daily.
• Maintains food production service records.
• Maintains service, portion control, safety and sanitation within a specific area.
• Assists in catering events or special meals and ensures items meet client needs.

Skills

Culinary experience

English communication

Basic math

Data entry

Legible handwriting

English instruction literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Hiring Range

$21.05/hr – $25.17/hr. Minimum pay will be $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

This position will close on 12/31/2026.

Position Summary

Under supervision, incumbents perform semi‑skilled food preparation, serving and general maintenance duties in a kitchen or dining area.

Culinary Production

Prepares assigned simple culinary duties daily; maintains food production service records; maintains service, portion control, safety and sanitation assurance within a specific area; employs effective and timely professional techniques with regards to food preparation, portion control, utilizing leftover food items, recognizing safety, budget and quality factors; works with perishable products inspecting for freshness and safety during production, service and storage; adjusts refrigeration and heating techniques to ensure products remain safe for consumption. Identifies problem areas and brings to the attention of the supervisor; prepares food items for catered events or special meals; ensures that items meet the client’s needs.

Training & Oversight

Offers guidance to food service workers and/or student workers; staff training in food production and sanitation; serves on interview committees as needed; assures that standards for freshness and quality of product are consistently met; assures that food service worker and/or student staff is utilizing appropriate cleaning agents for each job; assists in assigning specific jobs to food service worker and/or student staff throughout the shift, keeping staff on task and able to meet multiple deadlines.

Cash Handling

Maintains all cash handling and change bank procedures consistent with University and Campus Dining policies; uses cash register to process customer orders in a fast, efficient and polite manner; takes cash, cards, and other forms of payment; examines meal cards to verify customer identification; counts register drawer and deposit to verify accuracy, verifies register readings; notifies supervisor of any necessary corrections on prices or meal accounts; completes all cashier forms accurately and completely; completes daily deposits for cash drawers and utilizes the change fund to bring drawers back to original coinage/paper money breakdown.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Two years culinary experience in a high volume culinary environment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
• Ability to communicate, read, write and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to enter information into data terminals.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet‑based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts require UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/