Food Court Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Dining Service Temporary Casual position provides essential day-to-day food preparation, customer service, sanitation, and operational support across UMD Dining Services units. This role is responsible for setting up, delivering, and executing food service while maintaining clean, safe service areas. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, attention to food safety standards, dependability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
This is a temporary position in UMD Dining Services. This position will work a total of 67 days or less per calendar year.
Full/Part Time (FTE): Up to Full Time/40 hours per week
Location and Work environment: This role is 100% in-person on campus at the University of Minnesota Duluth in all Dining Services work areas.
Work Schedule: Schedules are based on business needs and may require nights and weekends.
Primary Responsibilities:
40% Service Execution and Customer Support

• Set up, maintain, tear down, and replenish food and beverage service stations for meal periods and campus catering events.
• Serve food and beverage items in designated dining areas, maintaining proper portioning and presentation standards.
• Provide exemplary customer service by maintaining a professional, friendly, and service-oriented demeanor in all public interactions.
• Maintain timeliness of assigned tasks concurrent with operational schedules and venue needs.

30% Food Preparation and Equipment Operations

• Prepare hot and cold food items, beverages, and grab-and-go products following established recipes and instructions.
• Operate a variety of kitchen equipment used in the preparation, delivery, and service of food and beverages.
• Put away food deliveries and store supplies in designated storage rooms, walk-in coolers, and freezers.
• Organize and maintain food inventory following proper labeling and rotation guidelines.

20% Compliance, Safety, Dishwashing, and Sanitation

• Scrape, rinse, load, wash, and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, trays, and glassware using commercial dishwashing equipment or multi-compartment sinks.
• Adhere to strict food safety, health, and sanitation standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness and food quality.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks as assigned across kitchen, prep, dishroom, and service areas.
• Monitor kitchen and dishwashing equipment to ensure proper use, safety, and cleanliness.
• Collect, dispose of, and manage trash, recycling, and compost in designated areas.

10% Point of Sale (POS) and Cashiering

• Operate the POS system accurately during meal periods and service hours.
• Comply with all established departmental cash handling policies and procedures.
• Complete all required cashier-related daily reporting and drawer balancing procedures.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience or education in customer service or food service.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and effectively communicate in English.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the assignment, including standing for extended periods (up to 8 hours) and lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to interact in a public setting in a respectful, professional, and inclusive manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience operating point-of-sale (POS) systems and handling cash.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Prior commercial foodservice experience including food prep and cooking.
• Familiarity with commercial dishwashing equipment or dishroom operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within diverse campus communities (supporting UMD's Goal 2 commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness).

About the Department
UMD Dining Services provides diverse and high-quality dining options across the UMD campus, including Superior Dining (residential dining center), a multi-concept Food Court (Subs & Wraps, Burgers, Pizza, Burritos, Grab & Go), Northern Shores Coffee Shop, dining kiosks, and campus catering services. Dining Services is dedicated to providing exceptional food options, advancing campus sustainability efforts, and supporting equity and inclusion within our community. Temporary Casual staff play a critical, flexible role in delivering seamless daily operations and supporting the overarching mission of the department.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $20.00 per hour ; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans .
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.