Position Type Full Time
Education Level High School
Category Restaurant - Food Service
Description
The Retail & Catering Associate I provides food service, catering, retail, and event support for Georgia Military College Dining Services. This position assists with food preparation, cooking, transportation, event setup and breakdown, buffet presentation, customer service, retail food operations, and general dining services while delivering exceptional hospitality to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.
Retail & Catering Associate I employees are expected to become proficient in multiple operational areas and may be assigned to retail food service, catering events, concessions, Top Dawg Diner, Bulldog Café, special events, or other Dining Services operations based on departmental needs. This position serves as the entry point into the Retail & Catering career progression and emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, customer service, cross-training, operational excellence, and continuous learning.
Primary Responsibilities:
Retail, Catering & Event Support - Assists with the setup, execution, and breakdown of catered events by arranging tables, linens, buffet displays, serving stations, beverages, equipment, and event spaces. Supports retail food operations and ensures events are prepared, presented, and executed professionally while delivering exceptional hospitality.
Food Preparation, Cooking & Dining Operations Support - Assists with food preparation, cooking, food presentation, serving, replenishment, beverage service, retail food operations, catering functions, concessions, and daily dining operations. Supports Top Dawg Diner, Bulldog Café, retail locations, and catered events as assigned. Prepares and serves food in accordance with standardized recipes, portion controls, food safety regulations, and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Customer Service & Hospitality - Delivers exceptional customer service by interacting professionally with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Responds to customer needs, maintains hospitality and presentation standards, and creates a welcoming atmosphere during institutional events and daily dining operations while representing Georgia Military College Dining Services with professionalism and courtesy.
Sanitation, Safety & Operational Compliance - Maintains cleanliness of kitchens, catering equipment, retail areas, service stations, storage areas, dining spaces, and event locations while following departmental SOPs, food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and workplace safety procedures. Assists with transporting, storing, maintaining, and organizing catering equipment, supplies, and inventory.
Cross-Training & Professional Development - Participates in cross-training opportunities throughout Dining Services and develops proficiency in retail operations, catering services, hospitality, food preparation, customer service, and dining operations. Accepts coaching, contributes ideas that improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, and provides operational support to Top Dawg Diner, Bulldog Café, retail operations, catering events, concessions, and special campus functions as departmental needs require.
*Criminal background check and drug screen must be cleared before any candidate may begin working.
Georgia Military College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and directly related experience may be considered in lieu of the stated educational requirement.
Previous experience in customer service, food service, hospitality, retail, or a related field is preferred but not required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service, teamwork, dependability, and a willingness to learn.
-OR-
An equivalent combination of education, professional training, certifications, and directly related experience may be considered in lieu of the stated minimum qualifications.
Excellent customer service skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Strong communication skills
Dependability and punctuality
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Basic food preparation and cooking skills or the ability to learn
Attention to detail
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Basic math skills
Commitment to food safety and sanitation
Willingness to learn and accept coaching
Preferred Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED with additional food service, culinary, hospitality, or customer service training.
Experience working in a high-volume food service, hospitality, retail, institutional dining, or customer-focused environment.
Food service or culinary experience
Cash handling experience
Point-of-sale (POS) experience
ServSafe Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain
