Food Program Assistant

As a Food Program Assistant at Friends of The High Line, your main responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations for our food vendors, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, supervising the food commissary, and assisting with community engagement projects. You will act as the liaison between vendors and the Operations team, oversee load-in and load-out procedures, and help with marketing initiatives, all while ensuring a high-quality experience for our 7 million annual visitors.

Success in the Food Program Assistant role at Friends of The High Line requires strong communication skills, customer service orientation, and the ability to handle challenges with composure. Experience in the food and beverage industry, knowledge of NYC health regulations, and a friendly disposition are crucial. Additionally, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential for maintaining the high operational standards that exemplify the High Line’s mission.

The work environment for a Food Program Assistant at Friends of The High Line is dynamic and outdoor-focused during the concessions season. You will be interacting daily with various food vendors and engaging with visitors in a vibrant park setting. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys a fast-paced, community-oriented environment while being part of a team dedicated to enhancing public spaces.

To qualify for the Food Program Assistant position at Friends of The High Line, candidates should have 2-3 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Knowledge of NYC Department of Health regulations is highly desirable, along with a Food Handler License or similar food safety certification. Strong communication skills and a personable demeanor are essential to succeed in this role.

The Food Program Assistant role at Friends of The High Line is a part-time, temporary position requiring you to work primarily during the concession season from April to November. The position involves working two weekends out of every five workdays, and you may also need to be flexible with your hours, including early mornings or evenings, depending on vendor and operational needs.

When answering this question, highlight specific roles you've held in the food and beverage sector and emphasize relevant tasks you performed, such as managing vendor relationships or ensuring compliance with health regulations. Providing examples of specific achievements can help demonstrate your experience and suitability for the Food Program Assistant position.

Discuss specific strategies you have used to monitor vendors' adherence to health and safety standards. This could include regular checks, maintaining open communication, or conducting training sessions on best practices. Your answer should reflect a proactive approach to compliance, demonstrating your commitment to providing a safe environment for visitors.

Conflicts are inevitable in any work environment. Here, you should emphasize your ability to stay calm and composed while actively listening to the vendor's concerns. Outline your approach to finding mutual solutions, and stress the importance of maintaining a positive working relationship for the benefit of the High Line's atmosphere.

Share ideas you have for promoting vendors and improving customer engagement, such as special events or marketing campaigns that celebrate the uniqueness of the High Line's food offerings. Creativity and a visitor-centric mindset should shine through in your response.

In your response, mention any previous roles where you were involved in community initiatives or outreach programs. Highlight the importance of community partnerships and how you would leverage these to promote the High Line's food offerings, ensuring that you align your answer with the mission of Friends of The High Line.

Your passion for public spaces, community involvement, and a love for food and beverage should be at the core of your answer. Discuss how the mission of Friends of The High Line resonates with you and your eagerness to contribute to such an impactful organization while enhancing the experience for millions of visitors.

Explain your approach to task prioritization, such as the use of to-do lists, communication with team members, or time management techniques. Provide examples from your past experience where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities, emphasizing your ability to remain organized under pressure.

Emphasize the importance of clear communication, consistency, and mutual respect in forming successful vendor relationships. Tailor your answer to align with The High Line's commitment to fostering positive interactions with vendors, demonstrating your understanding of how this contributes to a premier visitor experience.

Show that you have done your homework by discussing the history and vision of the High Line’s food program. Mention its unique aspects, such as sustainability and quality, and how this aligns with your personal values or experiences in the food and beverage industry.

Share creative ideas for engaging visitors with local vendors, such as food sampling events, social media campaigns highlighting vendor stories, and interactive activities that showcase local cuisines. Your answer should reflect a genuine interest in supporting local businesses as part of The High Line’s food initiative.