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Food Service Associate - The Woodlands
The Woodlands location is seeking a Food Service Associate to support daily operations by preparing and serving food to patients, visitors, and employees while maintaining a safe and sanitary environment. The Food Service Associate will work collaboratively with the food service team to ensure efficient service and uphold high standards for quality and cleanliness. The Food Service Associate also supports café operations, tray delivery, and food production activities as needed.
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Food Service Associate plays an important role in contributing to a positive experience for all who visit our Woodlands location.
The ideal candidate will bring experience in food service or hospitality, the ability to follow established procedures, have excellent customer service skills and have strong attention to detail.
Schedule:
The typical work schedule is Monday–Friday, 9:30am–6:00pm, with no weekends or holidays. The candidate must have flexible availability.
Why Us?
The Food Service Associate supports MD Anderson’s mission by contributing to a safe, organized, and welcoming dining environment for patients, visitors, and employees. This role offers opportunities to develop essential skills in food service operations, customer service, and teamwork while supporting work-life balance through a consistent weekday schedule.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
• Set up kitchen and café areas according to operational needs.
• Prepare and assist with hot and cold foods, beverages, salads, sandwiches, bakery items, parfaits, smoothies, and dressings.
• Serve food from counters or steam tables while following portion and presentation guidelines.
• Operate coffee machines, ice machines, and other equipment as assigned.
• Take meal orders and deliver trays to patients and guests according to diet specifications.
Operational Support
• Check and document food temperatures to ensure safety standards.
• Monitor holding times and ensure proper rotation of menu items.
• Inventory and order food and supplies within established guidelines.
• Replenish food, beverages, utensils, trays, and supplies in service areas and nursing units.
Sanitation & Safety
• Clean and maintain work areas, floors, equipment, utensils, pots, pans, and service ware.
• Dispose of trash and recycling in designated containers.
• Identify and resolve issues related to spoiled food, defective equipment, or unusual conditions.
Team Collaboration
• Provide guidance and training to other employees performing related duties.
• Support daily operations and assist with problem-solving needs across the department.
Administrative & Technical Skills
• Operate a personal computer and use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Complete other job-related duties as assigned.
Education:
• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Work Experience:
• Required: One year hospital, hospitality, customer service, or commercial food service operation experience
• Successful completion of the MD Anderson apprenticeship program or nine months completion of the program can be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience
Licenses and Certifications:
• Required: SERVM - ServSafe Food Prot Mgr Must possess a current ServSafe Certification from the National Restaurant Association within 30 Days and Maintain a current certification throughout employment in Food & Nutrition Services
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
