Culinary Worker II (Worcester Dining Commons)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Culinary Worker II for Worcester Dining Commons in Amherst. This full-time, on-site role performs routine cooking, cleaning and serving duties in a campus dining operation, following established recipes and SOPs.

You will cook in large quantities, read menus, handle food safely, operate kitchen equipment, and assist with more complex dishes. The position requires stamina, ability to stand long hours, and a willingness to work varied shifts

Qualifications

• Six months of food service experience or completion of culinary certificate program.
• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and assist with more complex dishes.
• Certified as a food handler within six months of hire (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to read and follow recipes.
• Willingness to work varied shifts including weekends, holidays, and nights.

Responsibilities

• Cooks food in large quantities by following recipes and SOPs.
• Reads computer generated recipes and menus for simple meals.
• Cleans cooking equipment, work areas, food areas, counters, floors, and utensils.
• Peels, chops, washes and cooks foods for simple dishes.
• Transports food to serving areas and serves food to diners.
• Assists other staff with preparation of more complex dishes.
• Roasts, fries, boils, broils and seasons meats and vegetables.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.
• Operates kitchen utensils and equipment for soups, salads, desserts, sauces.
• Evaluates food for quality, quantity and freshness.

Skills

Food preparation

Food handling and safety

Stamina for long shifts

Reading recipes

Teamwork

Communication with customers

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Culinary certificate program

Job description

Title: Culinary Worker II

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises

Department: Worcester Dining Commons

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Performs routine manual and domestic job duties in a food service operation including: cooking, cleaning and serving food. The basic purpose of this work is to perform cooking tasks and assist with cleaning and food serving work as needed.

Essential Functions

• Cooks food in large quantities by following recipes and standard operating procedures. May be required to perform display cooking as assigned.


• Reads computer generated recipes and menus for the preparation of simple meals.


• Cleans cooking equipment, work areas, food areas, counters, floors, food carts, trays, furniture, utensils, dishes, pots and pans by scraping, hand washing and machine washing.


• Peels, chops, washes and cooks foods for simple dishes.


• Transports food to and from storage areas, loads food carts, transports food to serving areas and serves food to diners.


• Assists other food services staff with the preparation of more complex dishes.


• Roasts, fries, boils, broils and seasons meats, fish, poultry, vegetables and other foods required for daily meals.


• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.


• Uses kitchen utensils and equipment to prepare soups, salads, desserts, dressings, gravies, sauces, and stews.


• Operates cutlery, grinders and slicers to prepare and portion food for cooking.


• Evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste by tasting and observing to determine proper freshness, preparation and portioning.


• Stores foods in sanitary storage areas and at proper temperature to prevent spoilage.


• Communicates with Cook I, Cook II and Cook III employees to report food and menu problems.


• Makes coffee.


• Separates and removes trash and garbage, and places them in designated containers.

Other Functions

Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Incumbents of this position must have at least six (6) months of food service experience or completion of culinary certificate program.


• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six (6) months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe).


• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and to assist in the preparation of more complex dishes.


• Ability to perform display cooking.


• Knowledge of approved sanitary methods and procedures for the handling and serving of food.


• Knowledge of approved sanitary methods and procedures for the care and use of kitchen, dining room and food service equipment.


• Ability to use kitchen, dining room and food service equipment.


• Ability and stamina to perform manual tasks including: standing for long periods of time, lifting and carrying heavy objects, and working under conditions of seasonal high and low temperatures.


• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.


• Ability to give oral and/or written instructions in precise and understandable manner.


• Ability to establish rapport, maintain harmonious working relationships and deal effectively with customers and agency personnel from varied backgrounds.


• Willingness to work varied shifts and irregular hours including weekends, holidays and nights.


• Willingness to work under exposure to the hazards of wet and slippery floors, seasonal high and low temperatures and sharp surfaces.


• Ability to read and understand recipes.


• Willingness to communicate with customers while performing display cooking.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in custodial or dining service environments, and entails prolonged standing, carrying loads, and use of cleaning chemicals or food service equipment.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

4:30pm-12:30pm rotating weekends and holidays.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 09