Howard University Hospitality Catering Wait Staff

Aramark•WASHINGTON, DC, DC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Wait Staff position is responsible for providing professional, courteous, and efficient food and beverage service for catered events. This role supports the successful setup, execution, and breakdown of events while ensuring a high standard of hospitality, cleanliness, safety, and guest service. Catering Wait Staff must be dependable, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment while representing Howard University Hospitality in a professional manner. This position does not have a set schedule; schedules will be based on the catered events.

Requirements

Previous food service, catering, banquet, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed. (Open availability)
Ability to lift and carry catering equipment, trays, food items, and supplies as required.
Experience working in a high-volume hospitality or campus dining environment.
Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25–50 pounds, depending on operational needs.
Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, and move catering equipment and supplies.
Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor event spaces as needed.
Knowledge of Plated service, Buffet service, Passed hors d’oeuvres & Beverage service (non-alcoholic/alcoholic if applicable)
Ability to carry and balance a service tray properly.
Ability to set tables according to event standards (formal vs. casual).
Ability to follow a Banquet Event Order (BEO).
Ability to anticipate guest needs and provide proactive service.
Candidate must successfully complete both a written test and a practical skills test.

Responsibilities

Set up banquet rooms, buffet stations, beverage stations, tables, chairs, linens, service ware, and event equipment according to the event order or supervisor’s instructions.
Pull, organize, transport, and stage equipment, supplies, serviceware, linens, and other items needed for catered events according to the event order or supervisor’s instructions.
Serve food and beverages to guests in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.
Assist with buffet service, plated meal service, receptions, breaks, coffee service, and other catering functions.
Replenish food, beverages, condiments, utensils, napkins, and service items during events.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas throughout the event.
Monitor guest needs and respond promptly and professionally to requests.
Follow proper food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness procedures.
Communicate any guest concerns, service issues, shortages, spills, or safety concerns to a supervisor immediately.
Break down event spaces after service, including clearing tables, removing linens, collecting equipment, and returning items to the proper storage areas.
Assist with dish return, trash removal, sweeping, mopping, and general cleanup as assigned.
Handle catering equipment, china, glassware, flatware, and supplies carefully to prevent loss or damage.
Work cooperatively with catering managers, supervisors, culinary staff, and other team members to ensure events are completed successfully.
Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.