Cook's Assistant

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA is seeking a dependable Kitchen Assistant to join Dining Services. Assist cooks, prepare, cook and present menu items with quality and recipe adherence, including breakfasts, soups, entrees, sauces, vegetables, salads, breads, and desserts while upholding sanitation standards.

Responsibilities include cleaning dining areas and equipment, inventory assistance, proper labeling and dating of foods, and assisting in events and payroll/scheduling forms as required.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school education or equivalent.
• 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Assist cooks and assume duties of Kitchen Assistant when needed.
• Prepare, cook, garnish and present menu items per standards and recipes.
• Maintain sanitation of dining service areas and equipment; support proper recycling.

Skills

Sanitation

Communication

Physical strength

Lifting 50 lbs

Teamwork

Email proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Department Dining Services Job Description

Position Summary

Assist with all food preparation and service during assigned shifts. Work cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in accordance with work rules and departmental policies. Strive for a dining atmosphere which is cordial and accommodating for all students and guests under the guidance of the chef or cook on duty and direction of the area manager. Clean all dining service areas and equipment as delegated or in concert with team members. Assume dining room coordinator’s duties during key periods of service. Respond with flexibility to change in work location when the operational needs of the department so required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist the cooks, and assume the duties of the Kitchen Assistant in their absences. Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance with dining service standards and recipes. These include, but are not limited to breakfast items, soups, entrees including meats, sauces, vegetables, salads, dressings, breads, desserts, and meal alternatives as well as dietary accommodations and display cooking.

Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor maintenance on each shift. Support and maintain proper sanitation and recycling procedure. Perform duties of dining room coordinator as needed, including use of the dining access system and all other related tasks. Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and supplies. Assist chef in accurately inventorying storage areas. Work with other members of kitchen staff to orderly assemble production records, transfers, and meal counts for data entry. Communicate with all people accurately, professionally and in a timely manner, including proper labeling and dating all prepared foods. Work cooperatively with the area manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation. Responsible for reviewing all department notices. Utilize email and all college computer access responsibly.

Attend departmental meetings and training workshops as requested. Participate in the preparation for and service of special events. Complete required payroll forms and scheduling forms within deadlines. Perform all other related or relevant tasks. Initiate teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

Completion of high school education or vocational school education and a minimum 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial experience in quantity cookery which includes baking.

Requirements of the position are consistent with the responsibilities and duties of persons within the food service profession in adherence with all state and federal guidelines. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.

Current state approved sanitation certificate is required. Culinary arts degree or equivalent training preferred.

Skills

• Ability to tolerate exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, higher than normal noise levels, and heat and humidity consistent with that produced by commercial kitchen equipment.
• Must demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to effectively prepare, clean and receive supplies while properly utilizing standard food service utensils and equipment.
• Must be able to safely lift and move 50 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, bend, reach, pull and push.
• Must be able to manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively for variable periods of time - up to 65% of an assigned shift.
• Must be mobile between work stations and other campus food service areas.
• Must possess good vision with or without correction. Must possess the sensory ability to taste/smell.
• Must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and consistent with college policy. Must adhere to the sustainability initiatives set by the department.
• Must possess basic computer skills including receiving and sending emails.

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $25.29. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type

Regular

Review of applications will begin September 3, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.