Description
Serve and portion hot foods from a steam table in cafeteria or quick-service settings. Set up, stock, and maintain the steam table to food-safety standards; assist customers with selections, take orders and payments, and keep the service line clean and organized. May assist with simple food prep and replenishment.
- • Set up steam table, pans, utensils, and sneeze guards before service.
- • Verify and maintain proper hot-holding temperatures; record logs per policy.
- • Portion and serve hot entrees and sides to customers according to standards.
- • Answer customer questions and take orders, including special requests.
- • Communicate allergens, ingredients, and portion options as trained.
- • Accept cash or card payments and make change; operate POS.
- • Wrap and package to-go orders securely and label as needed.
- • Add sauces, relishes, and garnishes per order instructions.
- • Replenish and rotate food on the line using FIFO; request refills from kitchen.
- • Coordinate with cooks on shortages, special diets, and timing.
- • Monitor water levels and heat on the steam table; adjust to maintain safety.
- • Swap and sanitize serving utensils on schedule to prevent cross-contamination.
- • Stock the line with plates, trays, napkins, condiments, and cutlery.
- • Clean and sanitize steam tables, counters, and utensils throughout shift.
- • Keep the service area swept, mopped, and free of spills and debris.
- • Break down steam table after service; drain, scrub, and sanitize equipment.
- • Collect and return dirty pans and dishes to dish area; assist with washing as needed.
- • Balance cash drawer or reconcile POS receipts at end of shift when assigned.
- • Follow HACCP and food-safety, glove use, and PPE protocols.
- • Maintain portion control to meet cost and quality standards.
- • Set up and clear serving line and dining area as needed.
- • Assist with simple prep such as slicing, ladling soups, or filling pans.
- • Restock inventory and report low supplies to supervisor.
- • Train new attendants on station procedures when assigned.
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Hospitality, Events & Tourism
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
