Server

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 32,029 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA, seeks a dining server to support all dining operations, including setting up dining areas, operating the POS terminal, and ensuring clean, well-presented service areas during meals and special functions.

The role requires at least 1 year of experience, English communication, and flexibility to work shifts including weekends and holidays, with adherence to ServSafe sanitation standards. Compensation aligns with campus dining guidelines.

Qualifications

• 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Must be flexible to work a split shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• California Food Handler's Card.
• RBS Alcohol Server Certificate.
• Must follow ServSafe sanitation and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist serving members and dining operations under supervision.
• Maintain dining room area and stock.
• Ensure cleanliness and presentation of dining equipment.
• Provide customer service and respond to member needs.
• May cashier and reconcile POS tickets.
• May have closing responsibilities and storage cleaning.

Skills

English communication

Customer service

Flexibility

Education

California Food Handler's Card

RBS Alcohol Server Certificate

Job description

Caltech is a world‑renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Server under general supervision will assist serving members and in all our dining operations. Including, but not limited to preparing the dining areas for receiving members and guests, operating the POS terminal, maintaining cleanliness and stock levels in serving stations, greeting, and performing food and beverage preparation. Ensures the smooth operation of the dining area during meal periods and special functions, including set‑up, service, and closing. Performs work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies (e.g. ServSafe) safety standards, practices, and protocols.

Essential Job Duties

• Under general supervision, works from established procedures, verbal, and/or written instructions to accomplish assignments, which are routine in nature and where some degree of judgment is required.
• Maintains dining room area, including stocking and setting up according to protocols.
• Maintains overall cleanliness and presentation of dining equipment (i.e. vacuuming, watering plants, cleaning tables, etc.).
• Observes to ensure that members and guests are satisfied with food, beverages and service.
• Monitoring assigned tables and remaining visible on the floor during service to meet any member needs.
• Prepares food bars and/or buffet areas with appropriate food items and supplies as directed. Ensures all beverage equipment is clean and working properly.
• Sets up bars; including but not limited to beer, wine, spirits, paper products, straws, stirrers, condiments, glassware, ice and produce.
• Able to open and serve wine bottles tableside.
• Able to prepare basic cocktails and non‑alcoholic beverages, has knowledge of common drinks, and makes suggestions to guests.
• Conducts inventory of items used and provides order list (i.e. supply needs) according to protocol.
• Provides customer service ensuring all member needs are met.
• May serve as a cashier in the dining room area (i.e. totaling member orders, reconciling POS system and tickets generated, etc.).
• May have dining room closing responsibilities (i.e., lock‑up dining areas and/or the club).
• May be assigned to storage equipment cleaning responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English while performing assigned duties.
• Must be flexible to work a split shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds of tables, dishes, glassware and food trays etc.
• California Food Handler's Card.
• RBS Alcohol Server Certificate.
• Must be able to follow and maintain maximum standards of ServSafe sanitation and safety to ensure the highest standards for food and beverage service.

Preferred Qualifications

• General food knowledge pertaining to sauces, cuts of meat, fish, methods of cooking, etc. including commonly served fish, popular spices and herbs, different styles of cuisine (Cajun, Provencal, Northern/Southern Italian, etc.) and general knowledge of wine types such as red, white, sparkling, dessert and American service (plated) in banquets.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$23.25 - $28.00 per hour. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

Benefits

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non‑benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].