Job Appointment & Compensation

Appointments and Salary Scale

In our department, student employees are granted appointments (length and type of job assignment) for up to one academic year. Therefore, a student who performs at a satisfactory level has the potential to be hired in UC Santa Cruz Dining through June 30th of each academic year as per business needs.

In the spring quarter, managers will check in with all students on their availability to return to work in the fall.

Students who have performed satisfactorily can be extended for another academic year based on operational need. There will be no need for further paperwork. 

Salary Scale

UC Santa Cruz Dining highly encourages student employees to build a career with our department. We hope that students will consider us their primary employer for the four+ years they are on campus. As you continue your successful employment with UC Santa Cruz Dining, complete required training and meet attendance and performance standards, you will increase your pay wage.

The salary scale is listed below: 

Level 1 Wage (Food Service Worker)

• All students hired at $16.90/hour

• Students work 11 weeks, receive training and are certified in the following areas: 

  • New Student Employee Orientation

  • Bussing Procedures

  • Dish room operations

  • Knife handling

  • Storeroom stocking and cleaning

  • Customer Service

  • Workplace safety and food safety

  • Various stations (based on location) 

Level 2 (Shift Lead in Training)

• Currently paid $17.40/hour

• After two quarters of employment at Level 1 (or six months food service experience), students that have meet the minimum requirements listed below may apply for a Shift Lead Position:

  • Must complete a pre-employment background check

  • Must be Cashier Certified

  • Excellent attendance and work performance

  • Strong understanding of Dining Policies and Procedures

  • Any unit specific requirements 

If selected for the position, Level 2 is a one quarter probationary period in which a student trains to become a Shift Lead. 

There will be mid-point and end of quarter meetings to discuss progress and if the student will move on to Level 3.

If a student does not pass this probationary period, they will be rehired into Level 1 but may re-apply at their manager’s discretion. 

Level 3 (Shift Lead)

• The pay for Shift Lead positions is $17.90/hour

• After the successful completion of the Level 2 training period, student will be into Level 3

Special Notes

Pay increases would be effective at the beginning of the following quarter, after satisfying the time and performance criteria.