Food Service Helper-Michigan Technological University

Job Description

Job Title: Food Service Helper

Company: Michigan Technological University

Location: Houghton, MI

Pay: $15.91 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: An hourly rate of $15.91 for a “Food Service Helper” in Houghton, MI, appears to be competitive, particularly for the region and the nature of the job. According to various job market analyses, typical hourly rates for similar positions in Michigan generally range between $12 to $18, depending on experience and specific job duties. While the rate is slightly above the lower end of this spectrum, it aligns well with rates for entry-level and support roles in food service, especially given factors like the cost of living in Houghton and the local economic conditions. Overall, this wage seems to provide a fair compensation for the role, reflecting reasonable market competitiveness.

Job description:

Perform diverse food service functions, including food preparation, production, customer service, equipment operation, and cashier duties.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise the activities of student food service workers within the assigned area.
• Assist in the training and instruction of regular student employees, maintaining accurate records and preparing required reports.
• Order food supplies, schedule student workers, manage inventory, operate the electronic cash register and card readers, and ensure timely transfer of funds to the accounting department.
• Ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards are upheld in assigned areas.
• Operate all kitchen equipment used in the preparation and production of menu items, adhering to safety procedures and accurately interpreting recipes.
• Execute catering duties, including setup, serving, delivery, cleanup, and table service, while interacting with customers in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of portion sizes, food items, and ingredient composition of served foods, and adhere to the posted uniform policy.
• Engage in necessary training to accommodate operational changes affecting assigned duties. Responsible for the removal of garbage and recycling of cardboard in designated areas.
• Conduct daily, weekly, or monthly physical inventories as assigned by the supervisor.
• Functional supervision may be exercised over student assistants and other support staff.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to daily operations, while actively participating in university continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, and Licensures:

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating comparable knowledge and abilities.

Required Experience:

• Experience in a food service environment involving food production within commercial, institutional, restaurant, hotel kitchens, or similar settings.
• Proficient experience in customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to learn and adhere to instructions.
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with individuals in diverse situations across all assigned areas.
• Ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries and interact harmoniously with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, with the potential for short-notice work requests.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Valid driver’s license and compliance with Michigan Tech University’s vehicle use requirements.
• Proven success in collaborating with individuals possessing a wide range of personal characteristics and perspectives.

Language, Mathematical, and Reasoning Skills:

• Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Capable of writing simple correspondence and presenting information effectively in one-on-one customer interactions.

• Mathematical Skills: Proficiency in basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division across various units of measure, utilizing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common-sense understanding to execute basic written or oral instructions and address problems in standardized situations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The physical demands associated with this position require regular standing and walking; effective verbal and auditory communication; dexterous use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls; and the capability to taste and smell. Employees frequently reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch, while occasionally sitting and climbing. Employees must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and possess visual acuity for close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, with the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment may involve proximity to moving mechanical parts and occasional exposure to wet and humid conditions, working at heights, fumes or airborne particles, and extreme temperature variations. The noise level in this environment ranges from moderate to very loud.

Required Training and Conditions of Employment:

All employees at Michigan Technological University will undergo four mandatory training sessions, with the possibility of additional department-specific training.

Mandatory University Training includes:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, and results must be assessed before finalizing employment.

Additional Conditions of Employment:

Successful candidates must ensure their eligibility to work in the United States by the effective date of appointment and maintain this eligibility without sponsorship throughout the duration of their employment.

The position has a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) of 1.00, categorized as Non-Exempt, with an appointment term of 12 months, requiring availability for 1st shift hours beginning between 5:00 AM and noon.

Compensation is contractual, with external candidates receiving a minimum salary of $15.91/hour.

This position involves both internal and external postings for applicants. Internal AFSCME applicants will be given priority during the designated application period.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For individuals requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during the hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [email protected].

Job Posting Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2025 22:39:40 GMT

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