Catering Assistant - Dining Services

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Catering Assistant to support catering operations. The Catering Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring events are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with customer expectations. The Catering Assistant contributes to food preparation, delivery logistics, event setup, and service quality to support a high standard of hospitality across all catering services.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Catering Assistant supports this mission by delivering reliable, safe, and professional food service operations for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring every interaction reflects organizational standards and service excellence.

Shift : 9:00am - 5:30pm (Must be able to maintain a flexible schedule to support operational needs, including weekends and nights based on operational demands)

The ideal candidate brings a high school diploma or equivalent (preferred), along with at least one year of food service or catering experience.

This individual demonstrates strong attention to detail, customer service skills, and the ability to safely handle food and equipment. A valid Texas driver's license, eligibility to operate institutional vehicles, and a current Texas Food Handlers Certification are highly valued for success in this role.

Why Us?
Working as a Catering Assistant at UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to directly support a mission-driven organization by ensuring high-quality food service experiences that enhance patient, staff, and visitor satisfaction. This role provides hands-on experience in food service operations, logistics, and customer engagement while offering opportunities for skill development, stability, and long-term career growth in a supportive environment that values work-life balance and operational excellence.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities
Food Preparation, Delivery, Logistics & Handling
• Assist in preparing catering requests based on demand and event specifications
• Safely pack and transport food, beverages, equipment, and supplies to designated locations
• Ensure all transported items are secured, temperature-controlled, and delivered on schedule
• Execute event setup, service flow, and teardown using event diagrams and timing guidelines
• Verify order accuracy against event sheets and packing lists before departure and upon arrival
• Ensure all required items, serving tools, and correct quantities are included
• Report equipment malfunctions, shortages, or delivery issues promptly to supervisors
• Document concerns and communicate effectively to minimize service disruptions
Safety, Sanitation and Compliance
• Adhere to food safety and handling standards, including proper temperature control and cross-contamination prevention
• Follow established hygiene practices at all times
• Comply with departmental and institutional guidelines regarding open flame equipment and vehicle use
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and consistently
• Maintain safe and hazard-free work areas by cleaning spills and organizing equipment
• Identify and address potential safety risks proactively
Event Readiness, Presentation, and Quality Assurance
• Prepare event spaces to departmental standards, including tables, linens, and food displays
• Ensure presentation aligns with brand expectations and event requirements
• Monitor supply levels and restock food, beverages, utensils, and equipment as needed
• Maintain quality and appearance of food and presentation materials throughout events
• Refresh food items and ensure setups remain clean, organized, and guest-ready
Customer Service and Communication
• Provide friendly, respectful, and solution-focused service to guests
• Address guest questions and needs promptly with professionalism
• Maintain clean and organized service areas throughout events
• Model Core Values and Standards of Conduct in all interactions
• Communicate proactively to anticipate and address service needs
• Utilize the HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address, Learn) framework to resolve concerns
• Report customer, guest, and colleague concerns or safety issues in a timely manner
• Maintain strict confidentiality of customer information in compliance with regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION
• Required: None
• Preferred: A High School Diploma or Equivalent

WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: 1 year Food service or catering experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: A TDL - Texas Drivers License Valid and current Texas driver's license with a minimum of three year's of verifiable driving history. With less than three years of driving history, but with a minimum of one year of driving history required.

• Eligible to drive State and institutional vehicles

• Food Handlers Card Current Texas Food Handlers Certification within 30 Days

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 181793
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 37,450
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 42,725
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 48,000
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No

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