Casual Dining Assistant

Amherst College is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.

About the role

The Casual Dining Assistant supports Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with an excellent service experience in Valentine Dining Hall. This non-benefitted, part-time position is casual with periods of reduced or no hours during college breaks and summer. The role involves direct customer service and constant interaction with the campus community, requiring a kind, welcoming, professional, and approachable demeanor at all times.

The work schedule varies based on the College's operational needs and may include assisting with evening production, catering, or campus-wide events. The position is designated as providing essential services and may require reporting to work or remaining on duty even when the College is closed.

Responsibilities

• Move, serve, stock, finish, and refill food, beverages, and related items
• Ensure plating and portion size standards are followed
• Clean, sanitize, organize, and maintain dining hall surfaces, fixtures, and equipment
• Maintain College operational standards and Health Department regulations
• Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner
• Set up food items prior to and during meals, meeting established standards, and manage the rotation of goods to ensure the highest quality
• Perform work in a safe and efficient manner; ensure operational organization before, during, and after service
• Ensure equipment used is in sound, working order; tools are properly cared for and stored
• Communicate operational needs and concerns effectively and proactively
• Maintain a commitment to the quality of resources and work to prevent loss and eliminate waste
• Promote standards of quality, service, and safety in the work environment
• Sort, wash, and restock service wares, dishware, glassware, and silverware according to college standards
• Perform other responsibilities as requested or assigned

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and passion for delivering excellent customer service
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to see, taste, feel, smell, and describe foods and beverages
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Stamina and physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to frequently stoop, bend, reach, twist, and lift items up to 50 pounds independently and over 50 pounds with assistance
• Ability to maneuver a cart through pushing and pulling
• Ability to perform repetitive motion
• Ability to work in a food service environment with variable conditions (heat, cold, steam, vapor, odors)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including reporting to work or remaining on duty even when the College is closed
• Attention to detail and quality standards
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous food service experience
• Allergen Awareness certification (as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts)
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification or greater

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $16.50–$17.00 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on relevant education, training, experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations.