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Food Service Assistant

Universities of Wisconsin · Menomonie, WI · Part time

Posted Jul 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You will work closely with student employees and student managers. Tell me about a time you guided someone newer than you.

What they are checking: Whether they can show students how to do the job right in a patient, friendly way.

This job requires lifting up to 50 pounds and standing for long periods. Tell me about physical work you have done before.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the physical demands, since the job includes a function test.

Tell me about a time you dealt with an unhappy customer in food service.

What they are checking: Whether they stay friendly and solve problems, since customer service is a big part of this role.

What would you do

Position 1 starts at 6 a.m. and Position 2 runs until 8:30 p.m., with extra nights and weekends. Which schedule works for you and how firm is that?

What they are checking: Whether they are honestly available for the shifts, which matters for staffing a dining hall.

A customer tells you they have a severe nut allergy and asks what is safe to eat. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take allergies seriously and get accurate ingredient information rather than guessing.

Say the line is long, a student worker did not show up, and the salad bar is running out. What do you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they can triage under pressure and keep service moving while staying safe.

About the work

You would oversee front of house setup and keep the service area clean and safe. Walk me through how you would set up a serving line before doors open.

What they are checking: Whether they think about food temperatures, stocking, signage and cleanliness before customers arrive.

What food safety rules do you follow every shift without thinking about it?

What they are checking: Whether they know hand washing, temperature control and cross-contamination basics required by food safety regulations.

How do you keep food at safe temperatures during a long meal service?

What they are checking: Whether they know hot holding and cold holding limits and check temperatures through service.

How would you portion food so it is fair to customers and keeps costs in line?

What they are checking: Whether they use the right serving tools and understand that portion control affects the budget.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Food Service Assistant Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Food Service Assistant Job Duties: University Dining’s Food Service Assistants provide oversight for the set-up and maintenance of all front of house service-related tasks and ensures a clean and safe service area. These positions work closely with students, student managers, and limited term employees to serve customers. Position 1- Monday-Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm, rotating weekend shifts with additional night and weekend shifts required to meet operational needs Position 2- Sunday-Thursday, 12:00pm-8:30pm, additional night and weekend shifts required to meet operational needs Physical Demands Lifting to 30# frequently and up to 50# occasionally is required of this position. Constant standing and walking with frequent bending and stooping must be done to perform job tasks. This position is also contingent upon passing an essential job function test. Key Job Responsibilities: • Adheres to federal, state, and local food safety regulations, policies, and procedures • Performs routine food preparation activities such as portioning, chopping food, and serving food to customers • Greets customers, answers questions, and provides basic information regarding food preparation and associated activities • Assists and guides student workers • Cleans, inspects, and maintains kitchen equipment and work areas • Prepares a variety of basic dishes such as sandwiches and salads, and assists in the preparation of more complex dishes Department: University Dining includes two cafeterias (Commons and North Point Dining) and retail dining options in the Memorial Student Center (food court & convenience store), express food locations around campus, catering, and concessions. Some locations operate year-round, and others are closed during the summer months. University Dining is the largest student employer on campus. University Dining is committed to maintaining our inclusive and diverse community of full time, part time, and student employees. Compensation: Minimum starting salary is $16.20/hour and commensurate with experience. Shift differentials apply to this position. • Night Differential (80 cents) - additional pay for all hours worked on a regularly scheduled shift during the period between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. • Weekend Differential (80 cents) - additional pay for all hours worked between 12:01a.m. on Saturday and 12:00a.m. midnight on Sunday. Required Qualifications: • Experience preparing food and working with food service equipment Preferred Qualifications: • Experience providing customer service, either internal or external customers • Education and/or training on basics of food safety How to Apply: Complete applications received by end of day, Wednesday, August 5, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after August 5, 2026, may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee or until position is filled. To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs Required application materials : Professional Resume All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability. Contact Information: For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact: Search Chair: Lindsay Schade Email: schadel@uwstout.edu If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all the required application materials, please contact: Search Coordinator: Jason Horzewski Email: horzewskij@uwstout.edu Guidelines to ensure consideration: • Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required application materials. • Within your cover letter address each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications specified for this position. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. It is the policy of UW-Stout Polytechnic to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability. The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees. • Employee Benefits: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/ • To calculate the estimated value of your total compensation, use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu) Employment is contingent upon the final candidate’s completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidates’ professional references questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. Reference checks must be conducted at a minimum with three professional references, at least one of which must be a prior supervisor. Final candidates with previous employment within the Universities of Wisconsin and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks. In response to a public records request, the Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). UW-Stout Polytechnic is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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