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.

• As first point of contact representing HUDS, maintains a positive working relationship with students, faculty and guests of the University.
• Operates Micros and/or Blackboard workstation.
• Swipes all ID cards as required.
• Processes all methods of payment including cash and non-cash transactions, Crimson Cash and Board Plus.
• Processes function counts and all meal replacement orders.
• Completes cash drawer audit at the beginning of each shift and reconciles drawer at the end of each shift.
• Requests appropriate denominations prior to opening of the shift and during the meal periods.
• Deposits/submits paper work, cash and meal tickets to secure site or to management.
• 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.
• Reads and writes the daily menu board and is familiar with food items being served.
• Monitors serving lines during meals to ensure quality and quantity is suitable for customer demand.
• Supports all events as assigned including but not limited to setup, execution and clean up.
• Maintains cleanliness of dining room throughout the day, practicing clean-as-you-go procedures.
• Keeps tables, chairs, table tents, napkin dispensers and salt and pepper shakers clean.
• Refills napkins, salt and pepper shakers as needed.
• Updates table tents as directed.
• Assists in server area with set-up and in dining areas as needed.
• Sets up front of house stations per unit guidelines including, but not limited to: pastries, brews coffee, salad bar etc.
• Separates all necessary menu identifiers and utensils for food being served during each meal.
• Completes dessert preparation prior to meal service, set up and breakdown of culinary displays and action stations.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to management.
• Leaves work station clean and re-stocked.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions.
• Continuous: standing, walking, lifting, manual dexterity, reaching, handling, bending.
• Frequent: push/pull, 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)
• Two years 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 handle all customer inquiries in person and on the telephone in a quick, efficient, and professional manner.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.

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 4/4/2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 32.5 hours per week
  • Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 26.91 - 28.41
• 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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