Senior Food Service Worker (Limited Pool)

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.05/hr. - $25.17/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 6/30/2026.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Please note: These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Dependent on openings.

About the Job

Under supervision, incumbents perform semi-skilled food preparation, serving and general maintenance duties in a kitchen or dining area.

Culinary Production:

Prepares assigned simple culinary duties daily; Maintains Food Production Service Records; Maintains service, portion control, safety and sanitation assurance within a specific area; Employs effective and timely professional techniques with regards to food preparation, portion control, utilizing leftover food items, recognizing safety, budget and quality factors; Works with perishable products inspecting for freshness and safety during production, service and storage; Adjusts refrigeration and heating techniques to ensure products remain safe for consumption. Identifies problem areas and brings to the attention of the supervisor; Prepares food items for catered events or special meals; Ensures that items meet the client's needs.

Training & Oversight:

Offer guidance to food service workers and/or student workers; Staff training in food production and sanitation; Serves on interview committees as needed; Assures that standards for freshness and quality of product are consistently met; Assures that food service worker and/or student staff is utilizing appropriate cleaning agents for each job; Assists in assigning specific jobs to food service worker and/or student staff throughout the shift, keeping staff on task and able to meet multiple deadlines.

Cash Handling:

Maintains all cash handling and change bank procedures consistent with University and Campus Dining policies; Uses cash register to process customer orders in a fast, efficient and polite manner; Takes cash, cards, and other forms of payment; Examines meal cards to verify customer identification; Count register drawer and deposit to verify accuracy, verifies register readings; Notifies supervisor of any necessary corrections on prices or meal accounts; Complete all cashier forms accurately and completely; Complete daily deposits for cash drawers and utilize the change fund to bring drawers back to original coinage/paper money breakdown.

Dining Services is comprised of residential dining, retail operations, convenience store, and campus catering operation serving special events across campus, and an onsite campus commissary where local goods and ready to eat products are produced.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Two years culinary experience in a high volume culinary environment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
• Ability to communicate, read, write and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to enter information into data terminals.