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University Food Service Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

General Food Service

Midland, MI · On-site

$14 - $15.50/hr

Join the Creative - Northwood University Culinary Team as a Part-Time General Food Service Worker! Location: Northwood University, 4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, MI 48640 Pay: $14.00 - $15.50 per hour ...

General Food Service

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services ...

General Food Service

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services ...

General Food Service

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services ...

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University Food Service information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$14

$18

How much do university food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for university food service in Michigan is $14.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is university food service?

University food service workers are staff members who prepare, serve, and manage food and beverages for students, faculty, and visitors at college or university dining facilities. Their responsibilities may include cooking meals, operating cash registers, cleaning dining areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in supporting campus life by providing nutritious and convenient meal options. Depending on the institution, they may work in dining halls, cafes, catering services, or concession stands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in university food service, and why are they important?

To thrive in University Food Service, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic culinary techniques, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help individuals excel in a fast-paced, diverse campus environment. These skills are essential for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and providing positive dining experiences for students and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a university food service environment?

Working in university food service often involves managing high-volume meal periods, especially during peak hours when students have limited time between classes. Staff must adapt to a fast-paced environment, maintain food safety standards, and deliver quality service efficiently. Flexibility is important, as menus and dietary needs can vary widely among students. Teamwork and clear communication with kitchen and front-of-house colleagues are essential to ensure smooth operations and a positive dining experience.

What is the difference between University Food Service vs University Food Service Worker?

AspectUniversity Food ServiceUniversity Food Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCampus dining halls, cafeterias, catering eventsCampus dining halls, cafeterias, catering events
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational institutionsUniversities, colleges, educational institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesOverseeing food service operations, managing staff, ensuring quality standardsAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, and maintaining sanitation

University Food Service roles typically involve managing food operations and supervising staff, requiring some managerial skills. In contrast, University Food Service Workers focus on supporting food prep, serving, and maintaining cleanliness. Both roles are essential for campus dining services and share similar work environments and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to University Food Service jobs in Michigan?

For University Food Service jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching University Food Service jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for University Food Service jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for University Food Service jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most University Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various University Food Service job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,412 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Food Service Worker

Big Rapids, MI • On-site


Ferris State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

504th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Uninterrupted breaks


$17.53/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Food Service Worker
Job no: 497825
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Staff, Service/Maintenance
Position Title: Food Service Worker
Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
51800 - Dining Overhead
Advertised Salary: $17.53 hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
AFSCME Benefits
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Temporary/Continuing: Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time
Union Group: Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)
Term of Position: 9 Month
At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause
Summary of Position: • A position classified as a Food Service Worker is available with Dining Services at Erbert & Gerbert's.
• The normal working hours are 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Tentative start date for this position will be August 16th, 2026
• Days off are Friday and Saturday.
• The employee may be required to work other times, including evenings and/or weekends.
• If required by job duties, employee must be able to fulfill the University's requirements concerning issuance and use of University keys.
• Personnel who possess the special qualifications and training necessary for this position may apply.
• Provide food services support by preparing and serving food, waiting on customers, and maintaining assigned area.
Position Type: Staff
Required Education: • High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Required Work Experience: • Six months full-time equivalent experience in commercial food service to include food preparation.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
  • Bending
  • Carrying
  • Electrical Hazards
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Twisting
  • Balancing
  • Lifting
  • Pulling/Pushing
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: • Train others in the performance of the characteristic duties as directed.
• Assist other food service employees as needed.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Assure that food is palatable and appetizing.
• Cook and handle food according to safe food handling/sanitary requirements following departmental sanitation policies.
• Interact with customers and staff in a polite, friendly, and courteous manner.
• Maintain equipment, pots, pans, utensils, and work area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition following departmental sanitation policies.
• Minimize food waste.
• Obtain foods from storage areas.
• Operate various kitchen equipment, machines, and utilize utensils.
• Perform the work of other Dining Service classifications when assigned.
• Prepare food for serving and assure continued food availability.
• Prepare foods using recipes generated from the computerized menu management system.
• Respond to special dietary requests.
• Set up and maintain food preparation area, food serving, and display areas, in an attractive and sanitary manner.
• Maintain safety and sanitation standards in all duties and responsibilities.
• Report to immediate supervisor and/or designee.
• Train and guide the work of student employees in the performance of the characteristic duties.
• Carry out these responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: • Remove trash, break down cardboard boxes, and assist in the University recycling efforts.
Skills and Abilities: • Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to interact with the public in a friendly, polite, and courteous manner.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Be familiar with seasoning requirements and kitchen equipment.
• Cook a variety of foods in large and small quantities.
• Follow safety and sanitation standards and practices.
• Keep accurate records.
• Read, understand and follow recipes, directions, safety labels, equipment operations manuals, etc.
• Work harmoniously with others in variable temperatures, close confines, noise, stressful situations, and workloads.
Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial Application Review Date:
June 15, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
Advertised: 29 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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