Dining Associate I (PT)

The Dining Associate I provides frontline customer service and operational support for Georgia Military College Dining Services. This position performs a variety of food preparation, cooking, food service, sanitation, and customer service responsibilities while contributing to a safe, clean, and welcoming dining environment. Dining Associate I employees are expected to become proficient in multiple operational areas and may be assigned to Top Dawg Diner, Bulldog Café, catering operations, concessions, retail food service, or other Dining Services operations based on departmental needs. This position serves as the entry point into the Dining Services career progression and emphasizes cross-training, teamwork, customer service, operational excellence, and professional development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Customer Service & Dining Operations - Delivers exceptional customer service by greeting guests, serving meals, maintaining food stations, replenishing food and supplies, answering customer questions, and creating a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Maintains professionalism and contributes to a welcoming dining environment.
• Food Preparation, Cooking & Operational Support - Assists with food preparation, basic cooking and production activities, serving meals, stocking food and supplies, setting up and breaking down service areas, dishwashing, cleaning, and other operational activities necessary to support efficient dining operations. Prepares and serves food in accordance with standardized recipes, portion controls, food safety regulations, and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Supports daily dining, catering, retail, concessions, and special event operations as assigned.
• Sanitation, Safety & Compliance - Maintains cleanliness of kitchens, dining rooms, food service areas, equipment, and workspaces while following departmental SOPs, food safety standards, sanitation requirements, personal hygiene expectations, and workplace safety procedures. Ensures assigned work areas remain organized, stocked, and inspection-ready throughout each shift.
• Cross-Training & Teamwork - Demonstrates flexibility by learning and working in multiple operational areas, including food preparation, cooking, serving, sanitation, and customer service. Supports coworkers, assists other dining locations or special events as operational needs require, and contributes to a positive team environment.
• Continuous Improvement & Professional Development - Participates in required training, develops proficiency in departmental procedures, accepts coaching, demonstrates initiative, and contributes ideas that improve customer service, operational efficiency, food quality, and workplace effectiveness. Actively works toward mastering new skills that support career advancement within Dining Services.
• 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.

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