Temporary Part-Time Food Service Worker

Rhode Island School of Design; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

RISD Dining and Catering is seeking temporary, part-time Food Service Workers to join its campus dining team. You will assist in food preparation, operate dish machines, and help maintain clean, stocked service areas across multiple campus locations. The role emphasizes customer service, hospitality, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Shifts cover AM and PM blocks on various campus locations; prior food service experience is valued. Must be able to work flexibly to meet department needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year of food service experience in a restaurant, college, or café-style setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist culinary staff in basic food prep and on serving lines.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation across work areas.
• Operate dish machines and ensure proper storage of items.
• Provide friendly, professional service to customers in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Oral communication

Customer service orientation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

RISD Dining and Catering is actively seeking temporary, part‑time Food Service Workers to join its dynamic, self‑operated dining department.

Food Service Workers assist the culinary and bakery staff in food preparation by engaging in duties including but not limited to gathering, washing, and cutting vegetables, station‑specific food production, and following recipes to produce daily items. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation. Actively participate in a team setting, with keen attention to customer service, and to culinary and visual detail in support of Dining’s mission. Maintain daily operation of dish machine in accordance with proper procedures. Serve customers in a professional and courteous manner. Work independently and efficiently to set up (open) and break down (close) various campus locations according to the venues specific requirements. Must have the flexibility to work at various locations on campus as directed by the supervisor in order to meet department‑wide needs.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and completes basic kitchen, commissary and catering items as assigned to specifications desired. Washes, peels, cuts, handles, presents and stores ingredients according to specifications.
• Completes preparation work, ensuring all ingredients are gathered, cleaned, available and ready for cooking. Under direct supervision, may assist cook with simple batch items and recipes including but not limited to grill items.
• Sets up (opens), breaks down (closes), and works in various service areas, including, but not limited to bakery, pizza, deli, salad and serving line.
• Follows all health code procedures including but not limited to temperature management, personal hygiene and sanitation.
• Assists in keeping food supplies in order by stocking, cleaning and sanitizing work, service and storage areas.
• Operates dish machines to ensure cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, flatware and trays, pots, pans, and other food preparation equipment. Ensures proper storage and frequently replenishes items in servery areas. Cleans dish washing machine (empty scrap trays and filters, hose down insides and load and unload areas, remove dividers and clean) and grease traps, clean scrap tables, belt, and disposal after each meal period. Sweeps and mops floors in dish room.
• Ensures the timely removal of empty boxes, packaging materials and trash containers from kitchen. Sweep and mop kitchen and dining room floors when required.
• Checks and restocks beverage coolers and convenience items. Hooks up fountain soda, juice, and CO2. Cleans milk, soda, and juice machines.
• Sets up (opens) dining locations across campus, ensuring that all food items and supplies are available and presented for the day’s business. This includes, but is not limited to preparation of condiment and coffee station(s), brewing appropriate coffee amounts and selections as predetermined by each location and checking/filling all condiments from cups/lids to soy milk/honey; and receiving, stocking and properly displaying items pertaining to that operation.
• Waits on a heavy volume of customers in a timely and courteous manner, representing RISD and the Dining department professionally and knowledgeably to a diverse clientele including students, faculty, staff, museum visitors and the general public. Adheres to established customer service goals and standards.
• Provides a high level of hospitality in the Front of House to students, faculty, staff and other customers.
• Serves prepared meals in accordance with Culinary specifications as to portions.
• Accurately operates a cash register to serve a large number of guests in a timely and professional manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a restaurant, college or café‑style food service environment.
• Attention to detail and good oral communications skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to move from one auxiliary operation to another on a daily basis, as required by the division.

Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience

• Prior customer service experience.

Union

No

Work Schedule

RISD Dining is a seven‑day per week operation. Shifts are available in AM and PM and will vary week to week. Dining and Catering staff are considered essential personnel and are therefore required to work even when the school is closed.

Employment Status

Temporary, Part‑Time

Grade

N/A

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)

Salary Grade Structure

Salary information omitted

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.