Career Center

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

In the absence of the management team, provides oversight and supervision to the dining facility. Utilizing knowledge of food allergies/intolerances, directs students/guests to safe menu items and food storage areas such as refrigeration, freezer, and dry storage. Informs students/guests on foods to avoid by knowing the menu items and the ingredient listings or by referring them to the person in charge.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible for following the opening and closing procedures of the dining facility.
• Maintains a set of unit keys at all times while on and off duty.
• Works closely with storekeeper ensuring supplies are readily available and communicates. any shortages to the management team in a timely manner.
• Receives food and non-food deliveries in the absence of the storekeeper while following all proper receiving procedures. Reports short-shipped and damaged items to the management team.
• Stores and stocks items appropriately using FIFO system.
• Reconciles daily cash deposit.
• Performs cashier duties as assigned.
• Directs the work of employees as assigned.
• Supports all events as assigned, including, but not limited to setup, execution and clean up.
• Responsible for assigned catering services.
• Responsible for coordinating coverage during unexpected staff shortages.
• Resolves issues, concerns and feedback received from students, guests and staff. Reports back these issues to the management team in a timely manner.
• Must take and record temperatures of hot and cold foods and record in the log book during meal periods. Must decide on corrective action when needed and inform management of actions taken in a timely manner.
• Monitors serving lines during meals to ensure quality and quantity is suitable for customer demand.
• Ensures presentation of food, cleanliness of food holding areas, and appropriate serving utensils provided.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to management in a timely manner.
• Recycles products per policy and procedure.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required.
• Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed in a timely manner.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ "Food Employee Illness Policy".
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.
• Attends mandatory trainings as assigned.
• Maintains current certifications as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Routine: must be able to lift 50 lbs. without restrictions. Frequent overhead lifting of 40 pounds required
• Continuous: standing, walking, lifting, manual dexterity, reaching, handling, bending
• Frequent: push/pull, bending, ascending and descending stairs and ladders
• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting, kneeling

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum of two years supervisory experience in commercial food service or hospitality industry.
• Must possess basic computer skills and have the ability to learn various business applications.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to perform basic fiscal tasks. This includes, but is not limited to cash handling, analyzing digital and analog thermometers and other measuring devices.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.
• Must be knowledgeable of food allergies and intolerances.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• ServSafe certification within one year of employment.
• Previous experience working in a University environment preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
• Customer service oriented.

• Appointment End Date: This is a temporary position with an end date of 6/30/2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 24 hours per week
  • Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 1:00pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 29.07 - 31.08
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position 
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, CORI, References
• Other Information:

  Emergency Status Designation: Essential

  Note: This job description may vary or change based on the needs of the business.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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