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* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California) OR JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide) |
THE JOB
DINING ROOM ATTENDANTS help waiters and waitresses in restaurants. Dining
Room Attendants pick up plates, glasses, and silverware from tables and take
them to the kitchen after the customers have finished eating. They replace
dirty table cloths and set tables with silverware, glasses, and napkins.
They serve ice water and butter and rolls to customers. Dining Room
Attendants also restock clean table cloths, napkins, silverware, glasses,
and dishes in the restaurant dining room. They supply the service bar with
food, like soups, salads, and desserts, and refill salt and pepper shakers,
and other containers. In addition, they clean counters, glass shelves,
service equipment, and other areas of the restaurant.
Dining Room Attendants also help waitresses and waiters serve food to
customers. They vacuum before the restaurant opens and clean up spilled
food and drink, or broken dishes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most restaurants are made for comfort in order to attract customers. The
work place is usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. Dining Room
Attendants work fact to face with the public and work around other employees
all the time. In addition to being on their feet all day, these workers
must often bend, stoop, lift, and carry large trays or bins filled with
dishes and other table items. During busy eating hours their amount of work
increases, and they have to work fast.
In some areas, Dining Room Attendants may belong to locals of the Hotel and
Restaurant Employees and Bartenders Union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Gardeners and Groundskeepers are a part of the bigger occupational group of
Dining Room Attendants and Bar Helpers.
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates
that the number of Dining Room Attendants and Bar Helpers in California will
reach 69,760 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 8,160 over the number there
was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 28,450 job openings due to people retiring
or leaving the occupation. Added to the 8,160 new jobs expected, this makes
for an estimated total of 36,610 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Nonunion wages paid to these workers begin at minimum wage plus tips.
Although experienced workers can earn more, wages above the minimum rate are
not common. Those employers affiliated with the Hotel and Restaurant
Employees and Bartenders Union pay from minimum wage plus tips to $5.75 per
hour plus tips.
Many Dining Room Attendants work part time, six to eight hours per shift,
averaging 30 to 35 hours per week. However, hours can be different,
depending on the restaurant. Many Dining Room Attendants are required to
work evening and weekend shifts. Some work split shifts, such as 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Usually, workers on split shifts do
not work the slow business hours from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
One or two meals per shift are usually furnished by the boss, depending on
the length of the shift. Life, health, and dental insurance are benefits
that may be offered by employers. Such benefits are often tied to and
depend on the number of hours worked per week.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Previous experience is not needed for this entry-level job. This job
involves service to the public, and a neat, well-groomed look and a nice
personality are a must. This work also requires good health, strength and
endurance, and full use of arms, hands, and legs. Dining Room Attendants
should also be able to follow instructions, work fast, and get along with
others.
In some counties, Dining Room Attendant applicants must have a food handler
certificate before beginning employment. These are earned by passing an
approved food handler course from locally authorized training schools. The
course fee is low, usually from $12.00 to $15.00, depending on the school.
For a list of authorized schools, Dining Room Attendant applicants should
contact their county health department.
Most new employees are tried out for two days to one week, during which time
the employer provides whatever on-the-job training is needed for that
restaurant.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities to other jobs in the restaurant are available for
Dining Room Attendants who show interest and ability.
Waiter/waitress, preparation cook, cashier, or bartender are possible job
advancement opportunities for efficient, skilled Dining Room Attendants.
Additional on-the-job training may be offered by the employer to help the
Dining Room Attendant who shows promise and wants to advance to more
responsible assignments in the restaurant. Dining Room Attendants can also
advance by finding employment in restaurants where they receive better tips.
FINDING THE JOB
People interested in getting work as Dining Room Attendants can contact
employers directly or they can file an application with the California
Employment Development Department Job Service. They should also contact the
local unions or read the newspaper ads for information to get this type of
work.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The National Restaurant Association
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2620
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 853-2525
http://www.restaurant.org
Hotel & Restaurant Employees International Union
1219 28th Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 393-4373
http://www.hereunion.org
RELATED OCCUPATION GUIDES
Waiters/Waitresses No. 42
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Dining Room Attendant 311.677-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants 650140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
California Occupational Guides
California Employment Development Department
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