Culinary Assistant

Trustees of Mount Holyoke College; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

FSA benefits

Life Insurance

Employee assistance

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Gym access

Job summary

Mount Holyoke College is seeking a Culinary Assistant for in‑person, full‑time work in our Dining Commons. You will prepare and garnish items, ensure accurate labeling, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment under supervision of Culinary Operations leaders.

The role requires at least 1 year of high‑volume food prep, willingness to obtain ServSafe certification, and strong English communication. Competitive starting rate and growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of high-volume campus food prep experience.
• Ability to pass a physical examination.
• Willingness to complete ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.

Responsibilities

• Set up, prepare, garnish, and replenish stations per recipes.
• Label and display menu items clearly.
• Maintain supplies and follow standardized recipes.
• Record Time & Temperature logs and service records.
• Receive and store orders properly and safely.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness at all times.
• Assist with weekly inventory tasks and teamwork.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation knowledge

Team communication

English proficiency

Education

Serv Safe Certification (Food Protection Manager)

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

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons offers a diverse array of cuisines tailored to meet various dietary preferences and need. Our menu frequently rotates to provide students, faculty, and staff with an expansive selection. Highlights include the customizable WOK station, offering personalized stir0fry dishes, and the Baraka station, specializing is Halal cuisine. For those seeking Kosher options, the L'Chaim station is available. Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting nutritious, flavorful meals that cater to the diverse tastes of our students, faculty, and staff. We prioritize safety and sanitation in All meal preparations.

In addition to Vegan and Vegetarian options, we strive to create an inclusive dining environment where every person, despite their dietary needs can enjoy healthy and delicious foods.

Working under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Culinary Operations, Production Manager, and Dining Managers, the Culinary Assistant’s responsibilities reside in all aspects of proper and safe 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 items at assigned stations, including the beverage area if applicable.
• Ensure all food labels and menu signage are accurate and properly displayed before each meal service.
• Maintain adequate food and beverage supplies for all meal periods, adhering to standardized recipes for food preparation.
• Accurately record and monitor Time & Temperature logs and service records.
• Ensure compliance with record-keeping protocols for future dining program implementations.
• Follow proper procedures for receiving and storing orders.
• Refrigerate or store leftover food at the end of each meal in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Ensure utensils and equipment are cleaned, in good working condition, and that the station remains free of debris and sanitized at all times.
• Prepare and record food quantities as specified by computer production sheets, changing out utensils frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation regulations as mandated by the Board of Health (BOH) and department policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to student, faculty, and staff while upholding a high level of professionalism.
• Assist with weekly inventory tasks as needed.
• Bring forth a cooperative attitude and work effectively with others to achieve common departmental goals.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance and adhere to high standards of cleanliness in both personal presentation and work habits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

So, if you're ready to take your culinary career to the next level in a supportive and inclusive setting, join us today and feel secure in your career growth.

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in preparation of food in quantity in a college or high volume, quality restaurant.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination without restrictions.
• Willingness to participate in a Serv Safe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification is required.
• Must have general knowledge of food and operation of kitchen equipment.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and orally, with a sound understanding of the English language.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Mount Holyoke College, the leading gender-diverse women's college, is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are a diverse community of staff, faculty, and students, united in our mission to offer an intellectually adventurous education in the liberal arts through academic programs that are renowned internationally for their cross-disciplinary excellence, experiential approach, and commitment to diversity. Mount Holyoke College is a welcoming and inclusive environment that values and respects individuals of all backgrounds.

As an EOE, we encourage members of historically underrepresented groups or nontraditional backgrounds to apply for open positions at our institution.

The College has a long-standing tradition of providing women and other historically underrepresented groups with access to an innovative educational experience that prepares students for purposeful leadership by integrating hands‑on opportunities into the curriculum.

We firmly believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances our ability to prepare students for success in an increasingly globalized world.

We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants and to building an exemplary workforce that reflects the diversity of our student body and the communities we serve.

Our ultimate goal is to produce graduates who are capable of engaging thoughtfully, effectively, and boldly with the world.

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

Hire Rate: $22.00 / Hour

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.