Service Associate II

The Culinary Services Department at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Service Associate II. 

The Service Associate II provides hospitality services to the Saint John’s campus community. This position supports front-line operations at the Refectory dining center, assists with setup and service for catering events, and helps train and guide student staff through daily service and leadership modeling. The role operates under the general direction of the Lead Supervisor for Service and Events.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily service operations in the student and monastery dining areas, ensuring food quality, presentation, and cleanliness meet department standards.
• Provide excellent customer service by assisting guests in a friendly, knowledgeable manner and responding to questions promptly.
• Maintain, restock, and clean food stations and dining spaces to ensure efficient and continuous service.
• Set up, serve, and support catering events, including luncheons, dinners, and receptions, acting as the primary contact for guests and monastic members.
• Assist with the preparation and assembly of food items such as deli trays and pick-up orders.
• Train, mentor, and guide student workers in daily service tasks and customer service practices.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, equipment use, and sanitation protocols within assigned work area.
• Communicate service-related information efficiently with co-workers and customers, fostering a positive and effective work environment.
• Provide input and feedback that suggests new menu ideas, cost saving methods, and other suggestions that improve the quality of service to our customers. 
• Maintain a clean uniform and personal appearance.  
• Attend all required department meetings and training sessions.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school education or equivalent
• Previous experience in food service and/or catering
• Sanitation certification preferred; successful candidates must complete the State of Minnesota certification process if not already certified.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, customers, and coworkers.
• Ability to solve service-related issues and maintain a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Willingness to maintain a high level of competence, adapt to change, and learn new tasks as needed.
• Availability to work rotating shifts, including regular weekend assignments as required by departmental schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to lift items up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations (e.g., working near ovens, or in coolers/freezers).
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, lifting, bending, balancing, and handling materials for extended periods.
• Exposure to and use of cleaning products, including detergents, degreasers, and sanitizing solutions, with or without single-use gloves.

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.
 
Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.