Catering Wait Staff - Howard University

Job Description

The Catering Wait Staff position is responsible for providing professional, courteous, and efficient food and beverage service for catered events. This role supports the successful setup, execution, and breakdown of events while ensuring a high standard of hospitality, cleanliness, safety, and guest service. Catering Wait Staff must be dependable, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment while representing Howard University Hospitality in a professional manner. THIS POSITION DOES NOT HAVE A SET SCHEDULE. The schedules will be based on the catered events.

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $23.61 to $23.61. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities

• Set up banquet rooms, buffet stations, beverage stations, tables, chairs, linens, service ware, and event equipment according to the event order or supervisor’s instructions.
• Pull, organize, transport, and stage equipment, supplies, serviceware, linens, and other items needed for catered events according to the event order or supervisor’s instructions.
• Serve food and beverages to guests in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.
• Assist with buffet service, plated meal service, receptions, breaks, coffee service, and other catering functions.
• Replenish food, beverages, condiments, utensils, napkins, and service items during events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas throughout the event.
• Monitor guest needs and respond promptly and professionally to requests.
• Follow proper food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness procedures.
• Communicate any guest concerns, service issues, shortages, spills, or safety concerns to a supervisor immediately.
• Break down event spaces after service, including clearing tables, removing linens, collecting equipment, and returning items to the proper storage areas.
• Assist with dish return, trash removal, sweeping, mopping, and general cleanup as assigned.
• Handle catering equipment, china, glassware, flatware, and supplies carefully to prevent loss or damage.
• Work cooperatively with catering managers, supervisors, culinary staff, and other team members to ensure events are completed successfully.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Qualifications

• Previous food service, catering, banquet, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed. (Open availability)
• Ability to lift and carry catering equipment, trays, food items, and supplies as required.
• Experience working in a high-volume hospitality or campus dining environment.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25–50 pounds, depending on operational needs.
• Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, and move catering equipment and supplies.
• Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor event spaces as needed.

Service Skills

• Knowledge of:
  • Plated service, Buffet service, Passed hors d’oeuvres & Beverage service (non-alcoholic/alcoholic if applicable)
• Ability to:
  • Carry and balance a service tray properly, Set tables according to event standards (formal vs. casual), & Follow a Banquet Event Order (BEO)
  • Anticipate guest needs and provide proactive service

Candidate must successfully complete both a written test and a practical skills test .

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.