Lead Food Service Worker(5452C),Berkeley Dining-80953
Posted on October 24, 2025
Role Based in Berkeley, CA, USA
Key Information
- Clear growth pathways at our Berkeley, CA, USA office.
- Job Title: Lead Food Service Worker (5452C), Berkeley Dining - 80953
- Hiring Organization: University of California Berkeley
- Location: Berkeley, CA, USA, CA
- Benefits: Eligible team members receive standard benefits.
- This role centers on your professional skills within the a dynamic space in Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Pay:
- This Berkeley, CA, USA-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our University of California Berkeley team in Berkeley, CA, USA, CA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Berkeley, CA, USA, a key hub for the a dynamic industry.
The University of California, Berkeley is a prestigious and world-renowned institution committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community where all members feel welcome and supported. Established in 1868, UC Berkeley has a strong tradition of academic and research excellence, public service, and social justice. The university prides itself on its culture of openness, freedom, and belonging, making it an extraordinary place for students, faculty, and staff alike. With a dedication to promoting equity and social responsibility, UC Berkeley actively cultivates a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and innovation. The campus offers numerous resources, including employee resource groups, and provides its full-time staff with paid time dedicated to professional development to ensure continuous learning and career advancement.
The Lead Food Service Worker position falls within Berkeley Dining, operating under the Residential Student Services Programs of the Division of Student Affairs. Cal Dining is a self-operated dining program that serves over 12,000 meal plan holders, delivering more than 5 million meals a year across 14 dining facilities. It supports a wide range of meal services including all-you-care-to-eat residential dining, retail a la carte options, catering, early childhood meal programs, and training tables. Employing a blend of 450 full and part-time staff and roughly 400 student workers, Cal Dining plays a vital role in supporting the campus's living and learning environment.
This full-time, partial-year career role focuses on culinary preparation and food service excellence. The Lead Food Service Worker reports to the Food Service Manager and works collaboratively with other culinary leaders, including cooks, senior cooks, and sous chefs. Typically starting as an entry-level position, this role involves assisting in the preparation of entrees and other menu items by following established recipes and production sheets for various meals such as breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The role requires adherence to University and departmental policies, health and safety regulations, and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles, ensuring that food preparation meets both quality and safety standards.
Key responsibilities include preparation of menu items under supervision, merchandise food for appealing presentation, participate in customer service initiatives, maintain accurate service records, and assist in various operational areas as needed. The position demands proficiency with kitchen equipment such as mixers, food processors, ovens, steamers, fryers, grills, and more, as well as rigor in maintaining sanitation and safety protocols. The worker is also responsible for monitoring allergens to prevent cross-contamination, answering customer inquiries about menu items, and demonstrating the ability to mentor and provide oversight to food service staff and student workers.
The work environment requires physical stamina, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and the capacity to operate in a fast-paced kitchen setting. The role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about culinary arts and food service to develop their skills, contribute to a socially responsible and certified organic dining operation, and engage with a vibrant university community dedicated to sustainable and ethical food practices. As this is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position, it is eligible for UC benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. UC Berkeley values candidates who reflect its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applicants who share these core values to apply.
- Experience in food preparation and general maintenance in a kitchen
- Ability to work independently and prepare multiple menu items for a meal
- Ability to read, write, perform basic arithmetic and follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to follow recipes
- Demonstrated knowledge of food safety and sanitation
- Proven organizational skills
- Ability to complete service records accurately
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs