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Serving Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Serving Assistant information

What is a serving assistant?

Serving Assistants, sometimes called food runners or busser staff, work in restaurants and other food service establishments to support servers and ensure guests have a pleasant dining experience. Their main duties include delivering food and drinks to tables, clearing dishes, refilling water, and helping set up and clean dining areas. Serving Assistants play a crucial role in maintaining efficient service and supporting both the front-of-house staff and the kitchen team. They often interact directly with customers to address needs or concerns, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a serving assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Serving Assistant, you typically need a good understanding of food service procedures, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and food handling certifications, such as a food handler card, are commonly required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and multitasking abilities help Serving Assistants excel in delivering great customer experiences. These skills are crucial for efficient service, customer satisfaction, and maintaining a safe and smooth-running dining environment.

What are some common challenges serving assistants face during busy shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Serving Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling multiple tables at once, maintaining attention to detail, and ensuring smooth communication between the kitchen and servers, especially during peak hours. Effective time management and prioritization are key—staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and remaining calm under pressure help ensure high-quality service. Many teams use pre-shift meetings and clear task assignments to support Serving Assistants, fostering collaboration and reducing stress during busy periods.

What is the difference between Serving Assistant vs Waitstaff?

AspectServing AssistantWaitstaff
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety training often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, catering eventsRestaurants, bars, cafes, fine dining establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in casual dining and cateringWidely used across all restaurant types, including fine dining
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting servers, setting tables, delivering foodTaking orders, serving food and drinks, handling customer payments

Serving Assistants typically focus on supporting the main serving staff by preparing tables and delivering food, while Waitstaff directly interact with customers, take orders, and handle payments. Both roles are essential in the restaurant industry, but Waitstaff usually have more direct customer service responsibilities.

Do serving assistants make a lot of money?

Serving assistants typically earn an hourly wage that includes tips, which can significantly increase their total income. The average annual earnings vary depending on location, experience, and establishment, but many earn around minimum wage plus tips, with some making above average wages in busy or high-end venues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Serving jobs in California?

The most popular types of Serving jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Serving Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Serving Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Serving Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution.

Temporary Pool - College Assistant Hispanic Serving Institution/STEM

Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA • On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Temporary Pool - College Assistant Hispanic Serving Institution/STEM at Monterey Peninsula College Share on X Print Application Deadline 12/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 6/9/2026 Contact Recruitment Office 831-646-4016 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 20 - 35 Per Hour Length of Work Year See Position Description Employment Type Part Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Monterey Peninsula College Temporary Pool - College Assistant Hispanic Serving Institution/STEM Salary: $20.00 - $35.00 Hourly Job Type: Temporary Job Number: 2023-00047 Closing: Continuous Location: Monterey Peninsula College and/or Marina Education Center, CA Division: Physical Science Description Monterey Peninsula College's Enhancing Diversity in STEM through Magnified Resources, Completion support, and Career Preparation (E=MC2) HSI-STEM Grant is available for the use to increase enrollment, success, and completion rates, STEM work-based experiences, and STEM outreach for traditionally underserved communities in the peninsula. As a result, temporary employees are occasionally needed for the various HSI-STEM programming that is associated with the EMC^2 grant. Temporary employment can include but is not limited to these roles: support with the outreach team,support the STEM department with student completion and success initiatives, and administrative duties with STEM work-based experiences

If you are interested in being considered for temporary work when needed, please click the "apply" button in the upper right hand and follow the instructions. Example of Duties Under the leadership of the MESA Program Director and the Associate Dean of Instruction-STEM, the HSI-STEM College Assistant is responsible for supporting HSI-STEM programmatic initiatives, including Student Development, Outreach, and Community Engagement. The College Assistant will coordinate community engagement, and lead student development alongside all branches of the STEM department.

Qualifications Ability to Work effectively with a wide variety of environments Demonstrate skills associated with the job in the assigned subject area, community engagement and student development Communicate satisfactorily in both oral and written form; Establish and maintain effective work relationships Knowledge of: Education or work experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields Experience working with community engagement events Experience in Student Development, which includes academic support and mentoring Skilled in oral and written communication Minimum Qualifications: High School Degree or equivalent Employment experience in Higher Education in areas supporting student success in STEM disciplines. Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to maintain strict confidence in confidential information and perform a wide range of duties that require tact, sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy, flexibility, and discretion. Organizational Ability to successfully track and follow up on a wide variety of tasks Customer Service Skills - provide a positive and welcoming environment; Responds promptly to needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments. Desired Qualifications (not required) Bachelor's degree in related disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Experience in student development not limited to mentoring students and academic support to empower impactful student success indicators in and outside the classroom. Experience in Outreach and Community Engagement, including, but not limited to, community tabling events, awareness campaigns, and fostering collaborative programming. Working in an academic setting, College, K-12 institutions PHYSICAL EFFORT/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Medium physical effort, which may include frequent standing, walking, and lifting or moving of outreach materials up to 40 pounds.

Indoor/outdoor work environment with some exposure to weather. Work Schedule / Supplemental Information Work Schedule This position is designated as a short-term, non-continuous employee Up to 29 hours per week/maximum of 180 days per fiscal year Assigned Shift Monday - Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (up to 29 hours/week) Weekends - included when outreach is needed Management reserves the right to change schedules as needed Salary $20 per hour base salary for minimum experience Base salary will increase upon review of background and specialization. How to Apply Visit http://www.mpc.edu/employmentand select "classified and other positions." Here you will find the announcement and the "apply" button in the upper right hand corner

You will be asked to log-in or create a new user account. Complete all required fields of the application AND: Attach a .doc, .docx or a .pdf of your cover letter which describes your interest in and qualifications for the position.AND Attach a .doc, .docx or a .pdf of your resume AND Answer any required supplemental questions, if prompted Only items listed above will be reviewed by the screening committee. Human Resources does not accept additional materials such as: letters of reference, test scores from other institutions, certificates of courses/programs completed, letters of commendation from schools, or transcripts with your application

Such items, if included, will not be forwarded to the selection committee. If you are a finalist, HR will request any reference information that is required. Monterey Peninsula College reserves the right to close or continue the recruitment at any time.

Conditions of Employment Offers of employment are contingent upon Governing Board approval. Employment with Monterey Peninsula College is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements. All new employees are required to submit proof of freedom from tuberculosis and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Employees must sign the Oath of Affirmation of Allegiance, and submit fingerprints. for California Department of Justice clearance. NOTE: Smoking Policy: Smoking on campus is limited to designated smoking areas Monterey Peninsula Community College District is committed to educational equity for all students, as outlined in the https://www.mpc.edu/about-mpc/leadership/board-of-trustees, https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/mpc/Board.nsf/files/BJLSXW74D733/$file/12-11-19%20EDMasterPlan%20Board%201st%20Read.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/, https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/mpc/Board.nsf/files/BDAKP5518B99/$file/2019%20MPC%20EEO%20Plandocx.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/, and https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/mpc/Board.nsf/files/BG7ME45A5A6E/$file/09-25-19%20Student%20Equity%20Plan%20Board%20Presentation.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/

We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences-emphasizing collaboration, engaging students in and out of the classroom, and encouraging them to realize their goals and become global citizens and socially responsible leaders. When you join our team at Monterey Peninsula College, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners. Monterey Peninsula College is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is an affiliate of the statewide Umoja Community of California Community Colleges.

Monterey Peninsula College has a diverse student population that is a reflection of the communities it serves. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, orientations, and intersections of these identities, and others not yet identified. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community.

The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual dedicated to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to: 1. Hold ourselves accountable as educators for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices; 2.

Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility; 3. Implement positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference; 4. Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and make them more culturally responsive; and 5.

Collaborate with colleagues on equity-related initiatives. Monterey Peninsula College seeks employees who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational or career goals. All departments value collaboration across disciplines to create inclusive, integrated, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7217097 Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. https://www.jobelephant.com/ Requirements / Qualifications For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer

Comments and Other Information For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer. CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only.

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