Departmental Assistant (Line Server) - Fall 2025

UMass Boston; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking individuals for a temporary food service position. This role involves assisting in the preparation and serving of food, maintaining cleanliness, and operating cash registers. Ideal candidates will have a working knowledge of food service operations and sanitation procedures. Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring a welcoming dining experience for all patrons. This is a great opportunity for those looking to gain experience in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food service methods and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to perform physical tasks related to food service.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and serving simple hot and cold foods.
• Maintain cleanliness of food preparation and serving areas.

Skills

Food Preparation

Sanitation Procedures

Cash Handling

Customer Service

Tools

Food Service Equipment

Cash Register

Job description

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

Assists in the preparation of simple hot and cold foods using food service equipment and standard recipes; serves food to diners; cleans equipment, production areas, serving and dining areas in a food service operation; washes dishes, pots and pans; operates a cash register to make cash sales transactions.

Essential Functions

• Moves food from storage place, makes coffee; loads food carts; transports food to serving areas.
• Serves food to diners.
• Assists in preparation of simple hot and cold foods and beverages using standard recipes and established procedures.
• Assists cooks and other full-time staff by using manual or mechanical food service equipment in accordance with department procedures and using all available safety equipment.
• Cleans food preparation areas, serving areas and dining areas using standard methods to maintain department cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Operates a cash register in accordance with department policies and procedures to make cash sale transactions.
• Washes dishes, trays, utensils, and pots and pans, using available equipment and established methods to maintain department cleanliness and sanitation standards.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Working knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment normally used in a food service operation.
• Working knowledge of food service sanitation procedures.
• Ability to perform physical tasks normal to food service operation.
• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitivemovements.

Additional Details

• 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 Cafés.

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 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.