Casual Receiving Assistant

Amherst College invites applications for the Casual Receiving Assistant position in the Dining Services department. This role is essential to supporting the department's mission of providing high-quality service to a diverse campus community.

About the role

The Casual Receiving Assistant is a part-time (up to 19 hours per week), casual position with no benefits. The expected salary range is $18-20 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on relevant education, training, experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations.

The Receiving Assistant coordinates the accurate and timely receipt, inspection, storage, and distribution of food and non-food deliveries across Dining Services. The position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting procurement operations, and upholding safety and cleanliness standards.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that values inclusion, respect, and operational excellence.

Food Safety and Allergen Awareness

All Dining Services employees are responsible for understanding and implementing established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols. Team members must actively support and respond appropriately to individuals with food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience for all community members. Employees are expected to apply the knowledge and procedures covered in mandatory training sessions in the course of their daily duties.

Responsibilities

• Accept and inspect all incoming deliveries, verifying accuracy, temperature compliance, and product integrity to minimize loss, spoilage, and damage
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of storage areas for perishable and non-perishable items
• Assist with monthly inventory of over 1,500 stock items
• Handle inventory in a manner consistent with allergen awareness and safe food handling best practices
• Accurately label and organize received goods into designated storage areas
• Collaborate with kitchen and production staff to ensure timely delivery of items to appropriate locations across campus using the refrigerated truck or vans
• Manage daily product transfers and deliveries to various dining venues across campus
• Maintain FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation to ensure freshness and minimize waste
• Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all storage areas, including walk-ins, freezers, the loading dock, garbage, and recycling spaces
• Operate equipment such as pallet jacks and cardboard balers safely and effectively
• Follow and model food safety and sanitation procedures
• Regularly monitor Amherst College email for updates from procurement and receiving teams and broader college communications

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 to 3 years of related experience
• An equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of the minimum education and related experience
• 6 months to 1 year of experience in receiving, warehousing, or a similar role
• Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Office or willingness to learn
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and customer service abilities
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and work efficiently in a high-paced environment
• Ability to perform basic math functions and maintain accurate records
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and supporting diverse populations
• Exercises independent judgment within established procedures for daily operational tasks
• Works under supervision from the Manager of Purchasing and Receiving and/or the Purchasing Specialist
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
• Valid driver's license and successful completion of Five College Risk Management driver credentialing program

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a food service, warehouse, or shipping/receiving setting
• Familiarity with data entry systems and inventory management software
• Experience operating a pallet jack or similar equipment

Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.