Assistant I - Catering and Events

Yavapai College • Prescott, AZ

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Part-Time Catering & Events Assistant provides operational support for catered events and functions at Yavapai College. This position assists with food preparation, event setup, delivery, service, breakdown, and cleanup while providing professional and courteous customer service to students, employees, guests, and community members. Working under the direction of Dining Services leadership, the Catering & Events Assistant helps ensure catering orders and events are completed accurately, safely, professionally, and according to established timelines and service standards. This position requires a dependable, flexible, and service-oriented individual who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Work schedules will vary based on catering and event needs and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain required certification within the timeframe established by Yavapai College.
• Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, temperature-control, and safe food-handling procedures.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple tasks, and meet event timelines.
• Ability to maintain composure, professionalism, and flexibility in a busy work environment with changing priorities and time pressures.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible part-time schedule based on operational and event needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in catering, food service, hospitality, restaurant service, banquet service, or event support.
• Experience working in a college, university, conference, hotel, restaurant, or institutional food service environment.
• Knowledge of food presentation, catering setup, and banquet or buffet service.
• Knowledge of food allergies, cross-contact prevention, portion control, and proper food storage.
• Experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the preparation, setup, service, and breakdown of college catering events and functions.
• Assists with basic food preparation, portioning, plating, garnishing, and presentation according to established standards.
• Prepares and organizes food, beverages, serving equipment, linens, utensils, and other supplies needed for catering events.
• Loads, transports, delivers, and sets up catering orders at various locations throughout Yavapai College.
• Reviews catering orders and event instructions to help ensure all food, beverages, equipment, and supplies are complete and accurate prior to delivery.
• Provides professional, courteous, and responsive customer service to students, faculty, staff, guests, and community members.
• Serves food and beverages during catered events in accordance with established service and food safety standards.
• Monitors and replenishes food, beverages, utensils, and service items throughout events as needed.
• Assists with maintaining attractive and professional food and beverage displays throughout events.
• Clears tables and service areas and assists with event breakdown following the conclusion of catered functions.
• Cleans, washes, sanitizes, and properly stores catering equipment, serving pieces, utensils, and supplies.
• Maintains clean, sanitary, organized, and safe food preparation, storage, transportation, and service areas.
• Follows established procedures for food safety, sanitation, temperature control, allergen awareness, and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Assists with maintaining an organized inventory of catering supplies and communicates supply needs to the appropriate supervisor.
• Communicates effectively with Dining Services staff regarding event schedules, special instructions, changes, and customer needs.
• Works cooperatively with culinary, catering, and other college staff to ensure events are completed efficiently and professionally.
• Maintains a positive and professional approach when interacting with customers, coworkers, and members of the college community.
• Follows Yavapai College and Dining Services policies, procedures, safety requirements, and customer service standards.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED