Overview

The Server–Athletic Dining is an essential front-line team member responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences to collegiate athletes in a high-volume, performance-focused environment. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a high standard of service, cleanliness, and professionalism, ensuring that all student-athletes receive the proper nutrition, support, and hospitality during every meal service.

Athletic Dining Servers work in a fast-paced setting where accuracy, energy, and efficiency are critical. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting the health, performance, and experience of elite athletes through high-quality service and teamwork.

Why Join Performance Dining?

Penn State’s Performance Dining team is a leader in delivering athlete-centered culinary experiences focused on recovery, performance, and wellness. As part of our team, you will:

• Work in a dynamic, team-first environment built on pride and professionalism
• Help fuel the success of some of the top athletes in the country
• Receive continuous training and opportunities for advancement
• Be part of a mission-driven program making a direct impact on student-athlete development

Reports To: Front of House Manager / Dining Hall Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Varies by season and athletic event schedule; includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

This role pays an hourly rate of $17.00-$20.00

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching

 
This position will remain open until September 19, 2025.

Responsibilities

Dining Service & Guest Experience

• Greet all student-athletes and guests with professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness.
• Ensure all athletes have access to proper utensils, hydration options, and a clean and inviting seating area.
• Provide exceptional service during meal periods, including clearing trays, assisting with questions about food items, and replenishing dining essentials.
• Support special service needs such as post-workout fueling, to-go packaging, and modified service for injured or restricted athletes.

Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Maintain all front-of-house areas in compliance with health and safety regulations, including dining rooms, beverage stations, condiment counters, and tray return areas.
• Frequently clean and sanitize tables, chairs, serving areas, and high-touch surfaces throughout service.
• Follow opening and closing cleaning procedures, including deep cleaning tasks on rotation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with back-of-house team members and chefs to understand menu items, allergens, and fueling priorities.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors regarding any service gaps, equipment malfunctions, or customer issues.
• Participate in daily team huddles and service briefings to ensure coordinated execution during meal periods.

Nutritional & Safety Awareness

• Understand basic performance nutrition principles and be able to explain food items when necessary (training provided).
• Assist in ensuring compliance with student-athlete dietary restrictions and preferences, working with culinary and dietitian teams when necessary.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism regarding student-athlete health and nutrition information.

Event & Catering Support

• Support catered team meals, pre- and post-game fueling stations, hydration tables, and recruiting event meal service as needed.
• Participate in off-site or mobile dining activations for special athletic events, in collaboration with Performance Dining leadership.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a high-volume food service or hospitality environment
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to guest service excellence
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods in a fast-paced setting
• ServSafe Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in collegiate dining, athletic nutrition programs, or institutional food service
• Basic knowledge of food allergies and dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein diets)
• Familiarity with performance dining or nutrition-focused environments
• CPR or First Aid certification

Core Competencies:

• Customer Service Excellence: Delivers consistent and outstanding service tailored to the needs of high-performance athletes.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with kitchen staff, supervisors, and teammates to ensure smooth operations.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on tasks independently and reliably
• Adaptability: Remains flexible during schedule changes, large events, or special team functions
• Attention to Detail: Maintains cleanliness, follows protocol, and ensures a professional and polished dining environment

Physical Requirements:

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Frequent bending, lifting, and carrying trays, supplies, and equipment
• Working in hot or cold environments (e.g., near dish machine, during event set-up)
• Use of cleaning and sanitizing agents in compliance with safety guidelines