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Student Dining Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$49K - $71K/yr

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with ... We are seeking a Residential Dining - Assistant Manager to lead operations at our vibrant ...

Food Service Worker Student

Plymouth, WI · On-site

$13.90 - $14.94/hr

Purpose and Summary Assists the Cook, Dining Assistant I, and Dining Assistant II with tasks in preparing and serving meals. Works in kitchen, resident service areas and the dishwashing room as ...

$49K - $71K/yr

We are seeking a Residential Dining- Assistant Manager to lead operations at our vibrant ... Assigned staff may include full-time, part-time, students, and temporary employees. The supervisor ...

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Student Dining Assistant information

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How much do student dining assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for student dining assistant in the United States is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student dining assistant?

Student Dining Assistants are individuals, often students themselves, who work in campus dining facilities to support meal service operations. Their responsibilities typically include serving food, restocking supplies, cleaning tables and dining areas, and assisting with dishwashing. They play a vital role in ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient dining experience for all students and staff. This job often offers flexible hours to accommodate academic schedules and provides valuable work experience and customer service skills.

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

To thrive as a Student Dining Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and the ability to follow safety protocols, typically requiring on-the-job training rather than formal qualifications. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is often beneficial. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you interact effectively with both coworkers and patrons. These skills ensure a safe, efficient, and pleasant dining experience for everyone involved.

What are some common challenges faced by student dining assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Student Dining Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing a fast-paced work environment with academic commitments, managing high volumes during meal rushes, and ensuring excellent customer service. Effective time management and clear communication with supervisors can help in balancing work and studies. Additionally, teamwork and staying organized are key to handling busy periods smoothly and providing a positive dining experience for all customers.

What is the difference between Student Dining Assistant vs Student Cafeteria Worker?

AspectStudent Dining AssistantStudent Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsNone typically required, may need food safety trainingNone typically required, may need food safety training
Work EnvironmentSchool dining halls, cafeteriasSchool dining halls, cafeterias
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school food servicesEducational institutions, school food services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve assisting in school dining environments, often requiring minimal credentials. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, focusing on supporting meal service and maintaining cleanliness in school cafeterias. The main difference is often in job titles used by different institutions, but responsibilities and work settings are similar.

What cities are hiring for Student Dining Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Student Dining Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Dining jobs?

The most popular types of Student Dining jobs are:

What states have the most Student Dining Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Student Dining Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Student Dining Assistant jobs?

For Student Dining Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Residential Dining - Assistant Manager

University Park, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

$49K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Join a team where excellence is the standard and customer service is the heartbeat of every meal.
We are seeking a Residential Dining - Assistant Manager to lead operations at our vibrant residential and retail dining locations. In this role, you'll shape exceptional dining experiences through strong leadership, high-quality food service oversight, and an unwavering commitment to service, safety, and innovation. If you're passionate about developing people, elevating standards, and driving operational success, we invite you to bring your talent to our team.
Food Services Supervisors oversee food service operations at specific residential or retail dining locations. Assigned staff may include full-time, part-time, students, and temporary employees. The supervisor's primary responsibility is creating an environment for excellence in customer service through product and services oversight, effective personnel supervision, regulatory compliance, cost containment, business growth and trend awareness.
  • Create an environment for excellence in customer service; monitor food preparation; ensure overall quality of product and services offered
  • Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate assigned employees; prepare schedules; communicate and enforce standards
  • Uphold food quality control procedures; conduct regulatory compliance inspections; assure adherence to university and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines; report, address, and correct discrepancies
  • Address staff, customer, and vendor issues of concern; provide guidance and timely solutions; follow-up as necessary; escalate as required
  • Execute environmental stewardship in all operational areas; evaluate, schedule, and oversee equipment and facility maintenance; recommend equipment purchases; participate in facility renovations and upgrade projects as directed
  • Analyze budgetary items, containment costs, and business growth opportunities; prepare reports and make recommendations
  • Maintain inventory; purchase product and supplies; negotiate prices; resolve quality and quantity issues
  • Under management guidance and direction, research, develop, market, and implement new products, menus, recipes, and concepts
  • Meet with special event and catering customers; manage, plan, and execute functions to customer satisfaction
  • Follow Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in grievance procedures, hearings, and arbitrations as required
  • Participate in departmental and University-wide initiatives and committees; complete special projects and reports as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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