Banquet Captain (On-site)

Hiring Range The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.39/hr - $31.13/hr. This union position is represented by the bargaining unit Clerical & Allied Services — CX Teamsters Local 2010 Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site About UC Merced The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region. About The Job The Banquet Captain provides on‑site leadership and oversight for the execution of catered and served events, ensuring services are delivered in alignment with established service standards, client expectations, and operational requirements. The position coordinates event setup, directs service flow, and oversees event breakdown while leading assigned staff to ensure efficient, timely, and professional service delivery. The Banquet Captain maintains a high standard of customer service and ensures compliance with all applicable food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations. In coordination with the Catering Manager and authorized personnel, the Banquet Captain may support alcoholic beverage service in accordance with University policies and applicable regulatory requirements. UC Merced Hospitality delivers catering and event services across the UC Merced campus and manages multiple meeting and event venues, including the UC Merced Conference Center, the California Room, Crescent Arch Room and Fred and Mitz Ruiz Administration Center Room 306. Services range from drop‑off delivery programs to large‑scale, high‑profile events, including VIP and special campus functions. Key Responsibilities Event Operations & Catering Execution Provide on-site leadership for the successful execution of full service catered events, including coordination of event timelines, décor, staffing assignments, setup, service, and breakdown. Oversee food staging, equipment preparation, and vehicle coordination to ensure efficient and accurate event delivery. Monitor staffing levels and proactively address labor needs to ensure events are adequately staffed and service standards are maintained. Communicate regularly with Catering Sales staff regarding event details, service requirements, timelines, and client expectations. Provide operational feedback to the culinary team related to menu execution, service flow, and presentation. Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards as required by Environmental Health & Safety and federal and state regulations. Maintaining cleanliness and proper storage of delivery service areas and equipment. Ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and handled according to departmental standards. Coordinating containment, removal, and disposal of waste at event sites. Evaluate ongoing service needs and outcomes and provide recommendations to improve service quality and customer satisfaction. Train and guide team members on proper food handling and storage, equipment gathering and loading, vehicle operation, inventory control, sanitation, safety practices, and customer service expectations. Instruct staff on the attractive and appropriate merchandising and display of food while maintaining required food temperatures and safe food handling practices. Operate catering vehicles for loading and unloading equipment and supplies for events. Assist with food presentation and event design, supporting a variety of service styles such as buffet, plated, and other service formats. In coordination with the Catering Manager, support the management of alcoholic beverage service in compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure proper gathering, transportation, and return of event equipment to minimize damage, loss, and breakage in accordance with departmental procedures. Communicate clearly with event staff regarding guest counts, service guidelines, and event specific instructions. Guest Experience & Customer Service Standards Provide courteous and professional service by anticipating guest needs and responding proactively to service requests within established departmental guidelines, budgets, and program parameters. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with guests to promote a welcoming and responsive service environment. Utilize clear and respectful verbal communication skills, including active listening, when interacting with guests and team members to support efficient service delivery while maintaining a high standard of hospitality. Team Leadership & Staff Development Provide leadership, direction, motivation, and counsel ensuring that campus departmental policies and procedures are administered uniformly and clearly and that work activity conforms to departmental guidelines and the overall mission of the University and Catering. Establish standards of performance and ensure those standards are maintained uniformly. Ensure staff is trained on procedures and daily tasks. Lead staff to strictly adhere to sound fiscal, ethical, accounting, and timekeeping standards. Implement personnel policies following University and departmental guidelines. Maintain a positive working relationship with all staff and management. Summer Conference Operations & Program Support Support the on-site execution of summer conference programs, including multi-day events, residential conferences, and external group programs hosted on campus. Coordinate daily food service operations for summer conferences, including meal service, breaks, special events, and program adjustments, ensuring services align with confirmed schedules and service standards. Serve as a primary on-site point of contact during assigned summer conference events,communicating effectively with conference organizers, UC Merced Hospitality leadership, and operational teams to address service needs and resolve issues in real time. Monitor service flow and staffing coverage across conference meal periods and events, adjusting assignments as needed to maintain service quality and operational efficiency. Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards during extended duration and high volume conference operations. Support accurate communication of headcounts, schedules, and service expectations to event staff to ensure consistent service delivery throughout the conference program. Assist with coordination of equipment, supplies, and event spaces associated with summer conference programming, ensuring proper setup, breakdown, and reset of service areas between events. Qualifications EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience/training. 1 year of related experience, or 5 years equivalent related experience if no degree. Driver’s License Required. TIPS California Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) Certification (Preferred) Serve Safe Food Certificate (Preferred) Critical Knowledge And Skills Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Strong verbal and written communication skills sufficient to communicate clearly and effectively with guests, team members, and leadership in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities. Demonstrated ability to maintain productivity and accuracy while managing a broad scope of responsibilities, frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and varying workload demands, and to complete a high volume of work within established deadlines. Ability to interact effectively with guests, staff, and supervisors in a high‑volume, public setting using professional demeanor, active listening, and courteous communication. Demonstrated ability to lead staff by assigning work, providing guidance, and supporting team performance to achieve departmental goals and service standards. Proficiency in the use of standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and experience using food service, event management, or hospitality‑related software applications. Ability to write clear, grammatically correct business correspondence, including schedules, memos, evaluations, and other routine documentation. Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety rules and procedures applicable to food service operations. Working knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of event planning and production and public relations. Sound judgment and effective decision-making and problem resolution skills, including skill to recognize and deal effectively and appropriately with real and potential problem areas, including skill to determine the issues / problems that need to be brought to the attention of higher level staff and / or management. Ability to work in diverse groups, including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, general public, production personnel, technical operators and performing artists. Knowledge of a variety of catering service styles, such as plated, buffet, French, Continental, or similar formats. Preferred Working knowledge of alcoholic beverage service, including beer, wine, and spirits. Preferred Familiarity with University and departmental policies and procedures related to time reporting, payroll, and personnel processes. Preferred Background Check Background check required. Policy Statement How To Apply An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at E-Verify All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California Merced