Food Service Attendant

About the role

The Food Service Assistant position supports Amherst College Dining Services by performing food preparation and service responsibilities. This role collaborates with the culinary team to ensure high-quality food is prepared, presented, and served safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Assists with basic food preparation tasks, including washing, cutting, portioning, and assembling ingredients according to standardized recipes and production needs.
• Safely maintains cleanliness and organization of prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces.
• Properly labels, dates, and stores food items in accordance with food safety guidelines.
• Works on food lines and/or other service areas as assigned, providing courteous, professional, and efficient service.
• Demonstrates knowledge of menu items and ingredients to ensure accuracy and respond appropriately to customer questions.
• Maintains the cleanliness of service areas during and after meal periods.
• Understands and implements all established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols.
• Supports individuals with food allergies by following proper handling, communication, and service procedures.
• Takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues across areas to meet operational needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
• Ability to provide courteous, professional, and responsive customer service in a high-volume dining environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and work cooperatively with colleagues, students, and guests from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness, or willingness to learn and apply required protocols through mandatory training.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and service needs.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 lbs. or more with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as required by College operations.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test.

Preferred

• Previous experience in food service, hospitality, retail, or another customer-facing role.
• Experience working in a high-volume service environment, such as a cafeteria, restaurant, catering operation, or institutional dining setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing inclusive, respectful service to individuals with diverse needs, including those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to anticipate guest needs and respond appropriately to questions or concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively across language and cultural differences.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and allergen control practices.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Interest in professional growth within food service, hospitality, or institutional dining operations.

Benefits

Amherst College provides a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. For more information, please click here for Benefits Information.

Pay

The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $19.98 to $20.25 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations.

Schedule

The Food Service Assistant position begins in mid-July 2026 and will transition to an academic-year schedule beginning in 2027.