Catering Waitstaff

Bennington College welcomes applications for Catering Waitstaff to support Dining Services special events on campus. 

Catering waitstaff responsibilities are shaped largely by the requirements of each unique event. Waitstaff assist with room set-up, preparation, cleaning and breakdown; see below for more detailed list of duties. Catering waitstaff work on a per diem, as-needed (on-call) basis - so candidates can sign up to work one or many events; we can be as flexible as needed. Shifts for catering waitstaff are varied; shifts are available during days, nights, weekends, and holidays. 

Dining Services team takes great pride in providing an experience our students, faculty/staff and guests will find memorable. Through our variety of dining locations, menu offerings, and friendly and welcoming staff, the team strives to make every dining experience extraordinary.

 General Responsibilities

1. Set up facilities for events including tables, dishware, glassware, silverware, linens and other amenities according to the event order requirements and manager’s direction. Establish pre-function side work to be performed. Ensure all equipment is accounted for and in good condition. Assist in breaking down after events and returning all event items to proper location. Notify manager of any unusual occurrences during an event or any missing or damaged items.
2. Know the menu for each function and be able to explain the major ingredients and preparation methods for each item to be served.
3. Serve in a timely manner. Promote and maintain the highest level of customer service to all guests. Resolve guest complaints within scope of authority and refer escalated matters to management.
4. Maintain clean tables and banquet areas and an organized linen storage area.
5. Implement and maintain all Vermont Health Code policies and procedures.
6. Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required. Maintain close communication and work cooperatively with Dining Services Manager and staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service.
7. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

Qualifications

1. Prior wait staff experience preferred, but not required.
2. Ability to learn and perform all duties in accordance with Vermont State Health Regulations for Food Service Establishments.
3. Must be friendly and outgoing with excellent hospitality skills and able to maintain a positive and professional manner through duration of shift.
4. Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
5. Ability to follow verbal instructions and work effectively in a noisy environment.
6. Ability to work well with people in a team environment.
7. Ability to function in a fast-paced environment under short time constraints, and within established deadlines.
8. The position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position primarily works within a fast-paced, general dining services area including kitchen, dining hall, snack bar area, and dish room.  Some of these work locations may have extreme/high heat/cold, varying temperatures.  This position may also work within and outside of regular office buildings and academic/campus facilities for special functions.

This position requires routine medium physical exertion; typically involves lifting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, walking, pushing, pulling and climbing stairs to coordinate work; heavy physical exertion is required when moving equipment/supplies.  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The College

Bennington College is a small residential liberal arts college in southern Vermont, long distinguished for its progressive approach to higher education. The College was founded in 1932 on the principle of active engagement in learning, which is manifest in individualized plans of study developed by students together with faculty. We serve a diverse student population, and our faculty and staff also reflect diverse backgrounds and identities.  Our aim is to educate students towards self-fulfillment and constructive social purposes, and we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusivity--in community and in curriculum--are vital to achieving those aims.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.  From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of Vermont’s top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by car.