Cook I - Dining Station Lead (Onsite, Full-Time)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Cook I for Franklin Dining Commons in Amherst. The role prepares and cooks large-scale meals, evaluates quality, leads a small kitchen team, and trains staff to ensure consistency and safety.

You will follow recipes and SOPs, manage station duties, handle inventory, supervise the team, and assist with more complex dishes when needed. This on-site, full-time position offers stable hours and opportunities to contribute to student dining services.

Qualifications

• At least one year of full-time or equivalent experience in the preparation and cooking of food in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institution.
• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University.
• Knowledge of standard methods and techniques used in food handling, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food in large quantities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in food handling, storage, preparation and cooking.
• Ability to train staff on utensils and equipment used in large quantity food prep and cooking.
• Ability to read and interpret recipes and weights and measures.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food items according to recipe and SOP to fill customer orders promptly.
• Maintains opening, prep sheets, inventory, and par levels for ingredients.
• Assigns staff to station positions for maximum efficiency.
• Interacts with customers regarding questions or complaints.
• Cleans food prep areas to maintain safety and sanitation standards.
• Monitors quality and timeliness of served food for consistency.
• Adjusts food prep procedures to minimize customer delays.
• Assists higher-grade staff with complex dishes.
• May substitute ingredients to improve appearance and quality.
• Reads computer generated menus and recipes to prepare meals.
• May be assigned to other units within the food service department.

Skills

Food prep

Food safety

Team supervision

Recipe interpretation

Job description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Cook I for Franklin Dining Commons in Amherst. The role prepares and cooks large-scale meals, evaluates quality, leads a small kitchen team, and trains staff to ensure consistency and safety.

You will follow recipes and SOPs, manage station duties, handle inventory, supervise the team, and assist with more complex dishes when needed. This on-site, full-time position offers stable hours and opportunities to contribute to student dining services.