Banquet Server

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The banquet server is responsible for providing set up for events at the Faculty Club while providing outstanding service to all clients during both luncheon service and private events. This person assists on luncheons for the University, the President of the University, the Board of Trustees, Rice Women's Club, club members, and guests. As part of the wait staff, they ensure delivery of quality service in a productive manner and ensure that any customer concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner. The banquet server maintains the correct appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms, checks the maintenance of all equipment in the dining room, and reports deficiencies.

Working hours expectation: Minimum Monday to Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Weekly schedule will vary and will include working late evenings and weekends. Must be available to work any required shift.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and two years of related experience preferably in a banquet environment. H/She should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.

Workplace Requirements:

• Work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to temperature extremes.
• Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, dough sheeter, tortilla machine,stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Physical Demands

• Light to moderate physical activity, which includes the ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, climb, balance stand, and walk up to 8 hours a day. Other physical requirements of the job include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Workplace Location:

• Work location: Faculty Club @ Cohen House
• This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
• This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Hiring Rate: $18.00 per hour

Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two or more (2+) years of related experience in food and event services
  • No substitution for education or experience allowed
• Certified Food Handler's Permit as issued by the City of Houston Health Department
• TABC seller-server license

Skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
• Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving skills, taking initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Basic wine knowledge
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and etiquette
• Knowledge and experience using point of sales system

Preferences:

• Experience as a bartender
• Banquet experience
• Forbes Standards of Service knowledge

Essential Functions:

• Inspects the appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms
• Regularly inspects all front- and back-of-the-house service areas and equipment to assure that sanitation, safety, energy management, preventive maintenance and other standards for the department are met.
• Closes out all luncheon tickets, ensures all tickets are accounted for, and resolves any ticketing issues
• Works closely with Banquet Captains and Events Manager during special events ensuring all details are completed (layout, food, flowers, music, cake, etc.)
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Ensures customer satisfaction by checking tables throughout service times and resolving any member/guest complaints that may arise
• Serves alcohol at events
• Organizes, tracks, and monitors the Cohen House inventory of silver, china, crystal, liquor and linens
• Assists with the breakdown after the completion of functions
• Ensures that wait staff return all equipment to the storage areas and the rooms are left clean and tidy
• Ensures that the dining room and other club areas are secure at the end of the business day
• Inspects table place settings, including table linen, china, glass, silverware and condiments for correct placement and ensures that each element is clean, undamaged and attractive