Culinary Specialist II: Fresh Prep & Service

UMass Amherst; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst's Mt Ida Dining in Newton is looking for a Culinary Worker II to support cooking, cleaning, and food service duties in a campus dining operation. You will follow recipes, prepare simple meals, and keep the kitchen area sanitary.

The role requires at least six months in food service or a culinary certificate and a food handler certificate within six months. On-site, Monday–Friday, with possible weekends/holidays.

Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of food service experience or completed culinary certificate program.
• Must obtain food handler certification within six (6) months from start date through a university-approved program (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and assist with more complex dishes.
• Ability to perform display cooking and communicate with customers.
• Knowledge of sanitary methods for safe food handling and operation of kitchen equipment.
• Ability to use kitchen, dining room, and food service equipment.
• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish rapport and work well with customers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Cooks food in large quantities by following recipes and SOPs; may perform display cooking.
• Reads computer-generated recipes and menus for simple meals.
• Cleans cooking equipment, work areas, and dining spaces to maintain sanitation.
• Preps ingredients, cooks foods for daily meals, and portions portions.
• Transports and serves food to diners; assists with more complex dishes when needed.
• Roasts, fries, boils, broils, and seasons meats and vegetables as required.
• Measures and mixes ingredients; prepares soups, salads, gravies, sauces, and stews.
• Operates kitchen tools (cutlery, grinders, slicers) to portion food.
• Evaluates food quality for freshness, temperature, and taste.

Skills

Food service experience

Food handler certification

Cooking ability

Communication with customers

Sanitary procedures

Kitchen equipment use

Instruction following

Interpersonal skills

Education

Culinary certificate

Job description

UMass Amherst's Mt Ida Dining in Newton is looking for a Culinary Worker II to support cooking, cleaning, and food service duties in a campus dining operation. You will follow recipes, prepare simple meals, and keep the kitchen area sanitary.

The role requires at least six months in food service or a culinary certificate and a food handler certificate within six months. On-site, Monday–Friday, with possible weekends/holidays.