Departmental Assistant (Kitchen Assistant) - Fall 2025

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated food service staff to perform essential cooking and cleaning tasks in a dynamic environment. This role involves preparing simple meals, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Ideal candidates will have a passion for food service, a willingness to work varied shifts, and the ability to follow instructions accurately. Join a team that values diversity and inclusion while contributing to a vibrant campus community. This temporary, non-benefited position offers flexible hours and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• One year of cooking experience in the hospitality trade required.
• Knowledge of sanitary methods for food handling and serving.

Responsibilities

• Cook and serve food in large quantities following recipes.
• Clean cooking areas and equipment as needed.

Skills

Cooking

Food Safety Knowledge

Sanitary Methods

Ability to Follow Instructions

Communication Skills

Education

Food Handler Certification

Experience in Hospitality

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Cash Register

Job description

Apply now Job no: 527094
Work type: Hourly
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Auxiliary Services
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories: Temporary Non-Benefited

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

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. May be required to operate a cash register to make cash sales transactions.

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.
• Communicate 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 other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Incumbents of positions at this level must have one year of cooking experience in the hospitality trade.
• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and to assist in the preparation of more complex dishes.
• 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 to follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to provide training, work assignments and functional supervision to student employees.
• Ability to give oral and/or written instructions in precise and understandable manner.
• Willingness to work varied shifts and irregular hours including weekends, holidays and nights.
• Ability to read and understand recipes.
• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe).
• This position will be within any of the Auxiliary Enterprises locations such as Berkshire Dining Hall, Hampshire Dining Hall, Franklin Dining Hall, Worcester Dining Hall, Blue Wall Café, and other Auxiliary Enterprises Café.

Work Schedule

• Shift will vary based on location and department needs. May include weekends and holidays.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

• $15.00 - $19.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to completing the application, applicants should provide a resume and three professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: May 2 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 28 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

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