Culinary Assistant II: Cooking, Prep & Service

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Culinary Worker II to support the Catering Food department in Amherst, MA. The role involves routine cooking, cleaning, and serving duties in an on-site dining operation.

You will follow recipes, assist with more complex dishes, and ensure sanitary handling of foods. The position is essential personnel with varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• At least six months in food service or completion of culinary training.
• Must become a certified food handler within six months of start date per university policy (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals.
• Ability to perform display cooking.
• Knowledge of sanitary methods for food handling and equipment care.
• Ability to read and understand recipes.

Responsibilities

• Cook food in large quantities following recipes and SOPs; may perform display cooking.
• Read computer-generated recipes and menus for simple meals.
• Clean cooking equipment, work areas, and utensils; maintain sanitation.
• Peel, chop, wash, and cook foods for simple dishes.
• Transport and serve food to serving areas and diners.
• Assist with preparation of more complex dishes as needed.
• Roast, fry, boil, broil, and season meats, fish, poultry, vegetables and other foods.
• Measure and mix ingredients; use utensils and equipment to prepare soups, salads, desserts, dressings, gravies, sauces, stews.
• Operate cutlery, grinders, and slicers for portioning.
• Evaluate food quality, temperature, and freshness by tasting and observation.
• Store foods in sanitary storage areas at proper temperatures.
• Report food and menu issues to Cook I/II/III; communicate with team.
• Make coffee; manage waste properly.
• The role may require varied shifts incl. weekends and holidays.

Skills

Food service experience

Culinary knowledge

Cook from recipes

Food safety

Customer service

Education

Culinary certificate

Job description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Culinary Worker II to support the Catering Food department in Amherst, MA. The role involves routine cooking, cleaning, and serving duties in an on-site dining operation.

You will follow recipes, assist with more complex dishes, and ensure sanitary handling of foods. The position is essential personnel with varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.