Housing and Food Services Relief Worker at Pennsylvania State University – Entry-Level Campus Support Job Opportunity

If you are looking for an entry-level position in cleaning, food services, or general campus operations, the Housing and Food Services Relief Worker role at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience in one of the leading universities in the United States.

This position is based at University Park in State College, Pennsylvania, and is ideal for individuals who are dependable, flexible, and willing to perform a variety of routine support duties across housing and dining facilities. Employees help ensure that university dining halls and residential facilities operate efficiently while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and customer service.

Whether you are starting your career or looking for practical experience in facilities management and food services, this role provides an opportunity to work in a supportive and dynamic campus environment.

Job Overview

Position: Housing and Food Services Relief Worker
Company: Pennsylvania State University
Job Type: Entry-Level
Location: State College, Pennsylvania, USA
Workplace: On-site
Salary: Market-related
Work Schedule: Variable shifts based on operational requirements

About Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States. The university serves thousands of students through world-class academic programs, residential housing, dining services, research facilities, and student support services.

Housing and Food Services play a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors throughout the academic year.

Job Purpose

The Housing and Food Services Relief Worker provides temporary support across university dining halls and housing facilities by filling in for employees who are on leave or vacation. During periods when relief coverage is not required, employees assist with other routine operational duties within Housing and Food Services.

This flexible position helps ensure uninterrupted service delivery while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food service support, and facility operations.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates may be required to:

Provide temporary support in university dining halls.
Assist with routine food service operations.
Help maintain clean and hygienic dining areas.
Clean workstations, equipment, and food preparation areas.
Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment when required.
Assist with serving food according to established procedures.
Follow standardized recipes and simple work instructions.
Support housekeeping duties within university housing facilities.
Perform general cleaning of assigned work areas.
Maintain cleanliness in public spaces and common areas.
Follow health, hygiene, and food safety procedures.
Assist different Housing and Food Services departments as operational needs require.
Complete assigned tasks according to established methods and procedures.
Work a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays when scheduled.
Cooperate with supervisors and fellow team members.
Report workplace concerns or maintenance issues to supervisors.
Perform additional routine duties assigned by management.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have:

Up to three months of relevant work experience.
Basic English reading, writing, and communication skills.
Basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
Ability to complete routine tasks accurately.
Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following will be beneficial:

Previous cleaning or housekeeping experience.
Food service or hospitality experience.
Experience working in institutional or commercial facilities.
Knowledge of workplace safety practices.
Ability to adapt to different work environments.

Skills Required

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Good communication skills.
Reliability and punctuality.
Flexibility to work different shifts.
Ability to work independently.
Teamwork skills.
Time management.
Attention to detail.
Willingness to learn.
Positive attitude.
Ability to follow procedures accurately.

Why Work at Penn State?

Working at Pennsylvania State University offers numerous advantages, including:

Opportunity to work at a respected public university.
Diverse and supportive working environment.
Valuable experience in food services and facilities operations.
Flexible work assignments.
Opportunity to develop workplace skills.
Safe and organized working environment.
Experience across multiple operational departments.
Potential career growth opportunities within university services.

Physical Requirements

Employees should be able to:

Stand and walk for extended periods.
Perform light physical duties.
Lift and move materials when required.
Work in kitchens, dining halls, and housing facilities.
Follow workplace safety procedures.
Adapt to different indoor working environments.

Working Environment

Employees work in university dining halls, housing facilities, and other Housing and Food Services departments. Work schedules vary depending on staffing requirements, with assignments changing throughout the academic year.

The role involves working in generally comfortable conditions, although employees may occasionally be exposed to heat, cold, water, dust, or cleaning materials while performing daily duties.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare an updated CV highlighting any previous experience in cleaning, housekeeping, food service, hospitality, or customer service. Applications should be submitted through the official Pennsylvania State University careers website before the vacancy closes.

Applicants should ensure all personal information and employment details are accurate and complete to improve their chances of being considered.

Conclusion

The Housing and Food Services Relief Worker position at Pennsylvania State University is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking entry-level employment in campus operations, cleaning, and food services. This flexible role offers valuable workplace experience, skill development, and the opportunity to contribute to the daily operations of one of the United States’ leading universities.

If you are dependable, eager to learn, and committed to providing excellent service in a team-oriented environment, this could be the ideal opportunity to begin or grow your career.