Catering Banquet Server (5650C)

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

In the Division of Student Affairs and under the Residential Student Services Programs portfolio, Cal Dining is a self-operated dining program focused on culinary excellence, social responsibility and supporting the living/learning environment of our customers. With more than 12,000 meal plan holders, Cal Dining serves over 5 million meals per year in 14 facilities with a combination of residential 'all you care to eat' dining, retail 'a la carte' dining, training table, early childhood meal production and catering. Cal Dining services the campus seven days per week , seventeen hours per day employing 450 full and part time staff and approximately 400 Cal student workers across multiple locations.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for setting up catering orders at delivery location as ordered and specified by client, including food and non-food products etc. Ensure product quality, consistency, and presentation is maintained to meet customers' demands. Ensure proper dating, storage and rotations of food products and supplies are met.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 14, 2026

Responsibilities

CATERING SERVICE

• Provide superior service to clients (including accurate knowledge of services provided, ingredients in dishes served, knowledge of wine and beverage service, etc.) at beverage reception, buffet meal or plated meal service.
• Control customer access at catered events including checking identification cards.
• Maintain the appearance and cleanliness of work areas, dining rooms, equipment and utensils, and furnishings used for catering.
• Ensure timely delivery and set up of food and non-food products for catered events; independently service event if needed by driving to and from event locations and Catering kitchen.
• Establish and maintain positive relations with our customers.
• Listen, and if possible, resolve customers' needs and report them to the manager and/or supervisor.
• Interact enthusiastically and pleasantly with customers and co-workers to ensure a positive interaction and outcome in every interaction.
• Responsible for practicing good stewardship with university and customer resources.

PREPARATION AND SET-UP

• Gather, set-up, prepare, replenish, and distribute beverages, food and non-food products in designated areas to ensure availability in a timely manner to meet customer demand.
• Assist in merchandising catered events.
• Assemble food and non-food products for transport between buildings utilizing carts or catering vehicle (when driving).
• Ensure all operational areas are clean and organized in a timely manner to meet customer demand.
• Prepare and appropriately display necessary signage for catered events.
• Safely operate, maintain, and identify problems with all equipment used in production and service.
• Set tables with formal silverware, napkins, centerpieces and beverages.
• Set up buffet tables with all necessary food and utensils.

BREAKDOWN AND STORAGE

• Breakdown and clean supplies, dining room and equipment after catered event.
• Maintain inventory control of food and beverage for catered events.
• Ensure the cleanliness, safety, and sanitation of designated storage and work areas, large and small equipment, utensils used in food production, and vehicles.
• Store items such as china, linens, furniture, decorations, etc. after catered event.
• Professional development and other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in restaurant or catering environment.
• Customer service experience in a food service environment.
• Catering food service experience.
• Demonstrated ability to direct the work of others.
• Experience following directions related to job responsibilities.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English and follow oral/written instructions.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate and maintain restaurant food service equipment.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in inventory control.
• Food preparation experience.
• Experience providing wait and/or bartender service.
• Experience delivering items.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn UC Berkeley campus.
• ServSafe Certification

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time, partial-year career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.