Mechanicsburg, PA, United States
The Operations Assistant supports the daily
retail dining operations of Union Cafe through food and beverage production, customer service, merchandising, operational support, and shift
execution. This position plays a key role in maintaining efficient cafe operations while supporting a fast-paced environment focused on
convenience, service quality, and customer satisfaction for students, employees, and campus guests.
The Operations Assistant must be
able to work independently, assist with operational decision-making, and help maintain smooth service flow during peak breakfast, lunch, and
evening service periods. This position also supports closing responsibilities, food safety standards, inventory organization, and overall
cafe presentation.
This position requires flexible scheduling based on operational needs, including shifts such as:
- 10:30 a.m.
– 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The Operations Assistant is expected to assist with opening and closing responsibilities
while ensuring the cafe remains clean, stocked, organized, and operationally prepared for service.
Primary
Duties
- Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail dining environment
- Operate POS/register systems
accurately and efficiently - Assist customers with menu questions, meal plan usage, and product recommendations
- Support smooth
operational flow during high-volume service periods - Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming caf environment
- Assist
supervisors and managers with operational execution and shift support - Assist with preparation and stocking of grab-and-go items
including salads, wraps, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages - Support coffee, smoothie, and specialty beverage production during peak
service periods - Monitor food quality, freshness, labeling, and presentation standards
- Maintain proper food handling,
storage, sanitation, and HACCP procedures - Restock refrigeration units, beverage stations, and retail displays throughout
service - Assist with daily operational execution and problem-solving during service
- Demonstrate the ability to make quick,
accurate, and professional decisions in a fast-paced environment - Support and guide student employees while reinforcing operational
procedures and customer service standards - Communicate operational concerns, product shortages, and equipment issues to supervisors
promptly - Help maintain urgency, consistency, and service standards throughout the shift
- Assist with opening and closing
procedures as assigned - Ensure proper cleaning, sanitation, and shutdown of equipment
- Complete end-of-day stocking and
operational reset tasks - Assist with inventory organization, receiving, and product rotation
- Help maintain overall
operational readiness for the following business day
Secondary Duties
- Other duties as
assigned - Maintain consistent and reliable attendance
Qualifications
Education
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
None
Experience
Preferred
- Previous cafe, retail dining, or food service experience
- Basic understanding of food production and food
safety procedures - Experience working in a time-oriented operational environment
- Prior experience assistant with shift
execution or student supervision
Skills & Characteristics Required
- Strong customer service and
communication skills - Ability to work independently and multitask effectively
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
while maintaining professionalism and accuracy - Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Special Working
Conditions
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
About Us
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive
excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in
preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a
strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program
that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive
excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they
will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public
engagement.
Job Info
Job Identification: 430
Job Category: Dining Services
Posting Date:
06/05/2026, 12:52 PM
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: 1 University Ave, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055, US
To
apply, visit https://messiah-ibvrjb.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/430
jeid-90039a9a51e6bb4188f0ea968e88b7f2
