Culinary Assistant

Mount Holyoke College; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Plan

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Job summary

Mount Holyoke College is seeking a Culinary Assistant for its Dining Commons. This in-person, full-time role supports a diverse dining program with halal, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian options, at multiple stations, including WOK and Baraka stations.

The incumbent will assist with safe food prep, labeling, inventory, and sanitation under supervision and in collaboration with Dining Managers. Minimum starting pay is $22.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Must have minimum 1 year experience in preparation of food in quantity in a college or high volume setting.
• Willingness to participate in Serv Safe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification.
• Must pass a physical examination without restrictions.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Set up, prepare, garnish, and replenish items at assigned stations and beverage area.
• Ensure accurate labels and signage before meal service.
• Maintain adequate food and beverage supplies and adhere to standardized recipes.
• Record Time & Temperature logs and service records as required.
• Receive, store, and refrigerate leftovers per safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary workstation and handle utensils and equipment properly.
• Help with weekly inventory tasks and collaborate with team to meet goals.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

Job no:

R-0000003621

Position Title:

Culinary Assistant

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$22.00

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

09/14/2026

Job Description:

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons offers a diverse array ofcuisines tailored to meet various dietary preferences and need. Ourmenu frequently rotates to provide students, faculty, and staffwith an expansive selection. Highlights include the customizableWOK station, offering personalized stir0fry dishes, and the Barakastation, specializing is Halal cuisine. For those seeking Kosheroptions, the L'Chaim station is available. Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting nutritious, flavorfulmeals that cater to the diverse tastes of our students, faculty,and staff. We prioritize safety and sanitation in All mealpreparations. In addition to Vegan and Vegetarian options, westrive to create an inclusive dining environment where everyperson, despite their dietary needs can enjoy healthy and deliciousfoods. Working under the supervision of the Assistant Director of CulinaryOperations, Production Manager, and Dining Managers, the CulinaryAssistant’s responsibilities reside in all aspects of proper andsafe food preparation and handling, proper sanitation procedures,and proper receiving and storage procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Efficiently set up, prepare, garnish, and replenish all itemsat assigned stations, including the beverage area ifapplicable.
• Ensure all food labels and menu signage are accurate andproperly displayed before each meal service.
• Maintain adequate food and beverage supplies for all mealperiods, adhering to standardized recipes for foodpreparation.
• Accurately record and monitor Time & Temperature logs andservice records. Ensure compliance with record-keeping protocolsfor future dining program implementations.
• Follow proper procedures for receiving and storing orders.Refrigerate or store leftover food at the end of each meal inaccordance with food safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area. Ensure utensils andequipment are cleaned, in good working condition, and that thestation remains free of debris and sanitized at all times.
• Prepare and record food quantities as specified by computerproduction sheets, changing out utensils frequently to preventcross-contamination.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation regulations asmandated by the Board of Health (BOH) and department policies andprocedures.
• Provide guidance to student, faculty, and staff while upholdinga high level of professionalism.
• Assist with weekly inventory tasks as needed.
• Bring forth a cooperative attitude and work effectively withothers to achieve common departmental goals.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance and adhere to highstandards of cleanliness in both personal presentation and workhabits.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in preparation of foodin quantity in a college or high volume, quality restaurant.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination withoutrestrictions.
• Willingness to participate in a Serv Safe class to obtain FoodProtection Manager Certification is required.
• Must have general knowledge of food and operation of kitchenequipment.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and orally,with a sound understanding of the English language.

Please note that this position falls under a Union, which ensuresfair compensation and benefits for all employees. So, if you'reready to take your culinary career to the next level in asupportive and inclusive setting, join us today and feel secure inyour career growth.

Hire Rate: $22.00 / Hour

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secureenvironment, supported by qualified employees that will allow allof its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them tosuccessfully carry out the mission of the college. As a conditionof employment, the College will conduct appropriate backgroundchecks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Officeof Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring thatbackground checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & DriverCredential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process andFive College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the officeresponsible for facilitating background checks as articulated inthis policy.