Temporary Food Service/Kitchen Worker, Cornell Dining - Multiple Positions Available

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking part-time, entry-level Dining Service staff to prepare and serve food, assist guests, and operate POS systems.

This role emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and adherence to safety standards, with flexible evenings and weekends and no visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic reading, writing, and verbal English communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced customer service environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting (30+ pounds).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food items for a diverse customer population.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests and members of the Cornell community.
• Operate point-of-sale systems and assist customers with transactions.
• Maintain food quality standards, food safety practices, and health code requirements.
• Wash, organize, stock, and replenish equipment, supplies, and food service items.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support daily dining operations.

Skills

Customer service

English proficiency

Teamwork

Stamina

Physical endurance

Job description

Get Your Foot in the Door and Start Your Career with Cornell Dining!

Cornell Dining is a nationally recognized Top 10 Dining Program that prides itself on providing safe, high-quality, and culturally diverse cuisine to the Cornell community. We are looking for customer-focused, energetic, and motivated individuals who are eager to learn and have a passion for food and hospitality.

Join one of the nation's premier collegiate dining programs and gain valuable hands‑on experience while working in a fast-paced, team‑oriented environment. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with anticipated start dates beginning in August.

Hourly Rate: $17.00 per hour

Schedule: Variable based on availability, business needs, and work performance; shifts may include evenings and weekends.

All positions are part‑time casual (19 hours per week or less), non‑benefits eligible. Flexible scheduling is available. Full‑time opportunities can be found at dining.cornell.edu/jobs.

In This Role, You Will Have the Opportunity To:

• Prepare and present food items for a diverse customer population.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests and members of the Cornell community.
• Operate point‑of‑sale systems and assist customers with transactions.
• Maintain food quality standards, food safety practices, and health code requirements.
• Wash, organize, stock, and replenish equipment, supplies, and food service items.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support daily dining operations.

We Value Your Ability To:

• Deliver excellent customer service in a friendly and professional manner.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Follow established procedures, food safety standards, and operational guidelines.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic reading, writing, and verbal English communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced customer service environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting (30+ pounds), reaching, bending, twisting, pushing, squatting, and grasping as needed.

Previous food service or customer service experience is helpful, but not required. Training is provided.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Students are not eligible to apply to this position. For student employment opportunities, please visit: https://studentemployment.cornell.edu/jobs/find-a-student-job

University Job Title:

Temporary Food Service/Kitchen Worker

Job Family:

Temporary Auxiliary Services

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Contact Name:

Jana English

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non‑union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

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EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-07-01