Lead Food Service Worker - Medical Center

The Lead Food Service Worker provides direction, training, and task assignment to the staff in the work area assigned. The lead position provides a working example to staff as well as direction for policy and procedures, customer service, area-specific work job functions and performance expectations. The lead may work in one of the retail cafes, patient care areas, pot/dish room, catering or pantry as assigned. Each work area has unique work task assignments as noted in the position description. Incumbent maintains and supports department food quality, sanitation, and service standards throughout the department. Incumbent has knowledge of safe food handling techniques and ability pass the ServSafe certification process. This position requires more specialized skills to oversee activities such as cashiering, food preparation, patient meal service, catering events and customer service for both internal and external customers. Incumbent supports an environment in which all customers feel valued and respected, promotes a professional and courteous approach in a public setting. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring timely set-up, display and preparation in support of menu selections in a clean, safe, and sanitary environment. Under limited supervision, incumbent works independently and performs skilled food preparation, serving and general maintenance. Incumbent is responsible for marketing and promotion of daily special to cafeteria patrons for multiple cafeteria(s) in a large hospital Food Service department. This position may be responsible for one or more service areas during the absence of Lead positions and Supervisors. #CA-DS

Apply By Date

5/7/2026 at 11:59pm PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position.

• Customer service experience working directly with customers.
• Express self and communicate well in the English language
• Write in a neat, bold, and legible style
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, visitors, and management with tact and diplomacy.
• To use portion control, observe food quality and contribute to cost containment.
• Lift heavy containers (hot/cold); push pony and tier carts when they are full.
• Use/break down for cleaning any mechanical or power equipment (coffee urn, juice dispenser, toaster, cash register, etc.) used in the performance of the position's duties.
• To follow written and oral instructions.
• To read, understand, and accurately prepare recipes.
• Organize work to accomplish tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Operate a cash register and other mechanical/power equipment.
• Basic sanitation/safety procedures and policies and the ability to follow these as outlined in Department and EH&S Policies, Procedures, and guidelines.
• Use of kitchen measuring equipment (scales, scoops, ladles, etc.) or ability to learn for accurate portion control.
• Basic food terminology.
• Basic mathematic skills.
• Manual dexterity to operate food service and accounting equipment.
• Exercising good judgment when determining appropriate action or setting priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe certification is required within 6 months of employment with renewal prior to expiration.
• Experience working in a union environment.
• Prior experience facilitating team building, engagement and change management workshops or training.
• Experience with food preparation and work in a high-volume dining environment.
• Experience with POS and cash handling.
• Knowledge of University and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and food allergens.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - DUTIES SPECIFIC TO ASSIGNED WORK AREA
• 15% - SAFETY AND SANITATION
• 15% - SUPERVISION
• 5% - Quality Control Responsibilities

Department Overview

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) provides food services to patients, staff and visitors at UC Davis Health and clinical nutrition services for patients.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $25.74 - $32.05
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 127
• UC Job Title: MED CTR FOOD SVC WORKER LD
• UC Job Code: 005093
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): FT Bidded Shift, 8 hour
• Location: Surgery & Emergency Serv PAV (HSP010)
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Must be willing and able to work variable shifts (including graveyard, weekends &holidays), hours, and to rotate to various units/buildings/areas to meet the operational needs of the Department.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
• The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents).
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks