The Cafe Operations Assistant supports the daily operations of the campus cafe while
assisting in creating a positive and professional learning environment for students within
the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. This position provides operational
support in food preparation, customer service, cafe production, sanitation, inventory
management, and point-of-sale operations.
The Cafe Operations Assistant will help maintain operational standards, support student
engagement, and ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation procedures in
accordance with local and state health department guidelines.
DEPARTMENT: School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
REPORTS TO: Cafe Manager / Department Chair / Culinary Faculty
POSITION STATUS: Part-Time Hourly Position
COMPENSATION: $15.00/hr
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with daily cafe opening and closing procedures
Support food production, prep work, and basic culinary operations
Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety standards
Operate and assist with Point of Sale (POS) system transactions
Assist with inventory control, product rotation, and PAR-level monitoring
Monitor and document proper food temperature controls and storage procedures
Demonstrate and apply proper knife skills and safe equipment handling
Assist with stocking, labeling, dating, and organization of cafe products
Support cafe cleanliness and organization, including kitchen and service areas
Assist students during hands-on learning experiences within the cafe environment
Provide professional customer service to students, faculty, staff, and guests
Assist with catering preparation and campus hospitality events as needed
Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and cafe leadership regarding
operational needs
Follow all Ivy Tech policies, procedures, and hospitality standards
WORK SCHEDULE
Approximately 12 hours weekly
Flexible scheduling based on cafe operational needs and campus events
Some evening or special event hours may be required
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
This position supports the experiential learning model within the School of Culinary Arts
and Hospitality Management by assisting with real-world cafe operations that enhance
student engagement, technical skill development, and hospitality professionalism.
Classification: N2
QUALIFICATIONS
Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or food service experience preferred
Basic understanding of cafe, restaurant, or hospitality operations
Experience using POS systems preferred
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced educational and food service environment
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Current ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager Certification required
Must maintain all required local and state food safety compliance standards
PREFERRED SKILLS
Basic knife skills and culinary preparation techniques
Inventory and product organization experience
Customer service and hospitality experience
Time management and multitasking abilities
Understanding of temperature logs and food safety monitoring
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:
Health & Wellness
Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
Financial & Retirement Benefits
Educational Benefits
For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College's Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.