Fire Ant Cafe Assistant Manager

Job Code Title

Food Service Specialist II

Advertised Title

Fire Ant Cafe Assistant Manager

Campus

Sumter

College/Division

USC Sumter College/Division Level

Department

USC Sumter - Palmetto College

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

40

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday some mornings and evenings

Job Search Category

Student Services

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for Temporary Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers temporary employees expected to work at least 30 hours per week health and life insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement programs.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Assistant Manager supports daily operations of the Fire Ant Cafe, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, and compliance with all Department of Agriculture and food safety regulations. This role includes supervising, training, and leading student staff while actively participating in food preparation and front-of-house service.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Supervision & Training

• Manage, supervise, and support student employees during shifts
• Train new hires on proper procedures, safety standards, and customer service expectations
• Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback
• Assist with scheduling and shift coverage as needed
• Promote a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment

Daily Operations

• Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure efficiency and consistency
• Ensure all stations (cashier, grill, fryer, prep) are properly staffed and running smoothly
• Assist with opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and reporting
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs

Food Preparation & Service

• Work as needed as a cashier, fryer cook, and grill cook
• Ensure food is prepared and presented according to standards
• Maintain speed of service while upholding quality expectations
• Deliver excellent customer service and handle customer concerns professionally

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with Department of Agriculture regulations and all food safety guidelines
• Enforce proper food handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and service areas
• Conduct regular checks to ensure safety and sanitation standards are consistently met

Administrative Support

• Assist the Manager with record keeping, reporting, and operational documentation
• Help enforce policies including employee procedures, discounts, and transaction accuracy
• Support implementation of new procedures or improvements

Qualifications

• Typically holds a high school diploma or GED.
• Previous food service or restaurant experience preferred
• Supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures preferred
• Ability to train and lead a diverse student workforce preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask preferred

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

07/06/2026

Proposed End Date

12/18/2026

Job Open Date

06/17/2026

Open Until Filled

No

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.