DINING ROOM ATTENDANTS (BUS PERSONS) California Occupational Guide Number 523 Interest Area 9 1997
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
Hotel & Restaurant Employees International Union 1219 28th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 393-4373
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.
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