Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

The Server–Athletic Dining is an essential front-line team member responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences to collegiate athletes in a high-volume, performance-focused environment. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a high standard of service, cleanliness, and professionalism, ensuring that all student-athletes receive the proper nutrition, support, and hospitality during every meal service.

Athletic Dining Servers work in a fast-paced setting where accuracy, energy, and efficiency are critical. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting the health, performance, and experience of elite athletes through high-quality service and teamwork.

Why Join Performance Dining?

Penn State’s Performance Dining team is a leader in delivering athlete-centered culinary experiences focused on recovery, performance, and wellness. As part of our team, you will:

• Work in a dynamic, team-first environment built on pride and professionalism
• Help fuel the success of some of the top athletes in the country
• Receive continuous training and opportunities for advancement
• Be part of a mission-driven program making a direct impact on student-athlete development

Reports To: Front of House Manager / Dining Hall Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Varies by season and athletic event schedule; includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

This role pays an hourly rate of $17.00-$20.00

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching

 
This position will remain open until September 19, 2025.

Dining Service & Guest Experience

• Greet all student-athletes and guests with professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness.
• Ensure all athletes have access to proper utensils, hydration options, and a clean and inviting seating area.
• Provide exceptional service during meal periods, including clearing trays, assisting with questions about food items, and replenishing dining essentials.
• Support special service needs such as post-workout fueling, to-go packaging, and modified service for injured or restricted athletes.

Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Maintain all front-of-house areas in compliance with health and safety regulations, including dining rooms, beverage stations, condiment counters, and tray return areas.
• Frequently clean and sanitize tables, chairs, serving areas, and high-touch surfaces throughout service.
• Follow opening and closing cleaning procedures, including deep cleaning tasks on rotation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with back-of-house team members and chefs to understand menu items, allergens, and fueling priorities.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors regarding any service gaps, equipment malfunctions, or customer issues.
• Participate in daily team huddles and service briefings to ensure coordinated execution during meal periods.

Nutritional & Safety Awareness

• Understand basic performance nutrition principles and be able to explain food items when necessary (training provided).
• Assist in ensuring compliance with student-athlete dietary restrictions and preferences, working with culinary and dietitian teams when necessary.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism regarding student-athlete health and nutrition information.

Event & Catering Support

• Support catered team meals, pre- and post-game fueling stations, hydration tables, and recruiting event meal service as needed.
• Participate in off-site or mobile dining activations for special athletic events, in collaboration with Performance Dining leadership.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a high-volume food service or hospitality environment
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to guest service excellence
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods in a fast-paced setting
• ServSafe Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in collegiate dining, athletic nutrition programs, or institutional food service
• Basic knowledge of food allergies and dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein diets)
• Familiarity with performance dining or nutrition-focused environments
• CPR or First Aid certification

Core Competencies:

• Customer Service Excellence: Delivers consistent and outstanding service tailored to the needs of high-performance athletes.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with kitchen staff, supervisors, and teammates to ensure smooth operations.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on tasks independently and reliably
• Adaptability: Remains flexible during schedule changes, large events, or special team functions
• Attention to Detail: Maintains cleanliness, follows protocol, and ensures a professional and polished dining environment

Physical Requirements:

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Frequent bending, lifting, and carrying trays, supplies, and equipment
• Working in hot or cold environments (e.g., near dish machine, during event set-up)
• Use of cleaning and sanitizing agents in compliance with safety guidelines

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.