Departmental Assistant (Line Server - Fall 2026)

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 26,174; Part time

Job summary

UMass Amherst in Amherst, MA, is seeking a part-time Departmental Assistant - Line Server for Fall 2026. The role supports food service operations by preparing simple hot and cold foods, serving diners, and handling basic cash transactions.

The position requires onsite work, physical tasks, and adherence to sanitation standards. Schedule varies, with evenings, weekends, and holidays possible; employment runs from late August 2026 through May 2027, through Auxiliary Enterprises at Campus

Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in a food service operation.
• Knowledge of food service sanitation procedures.
• Ability to perform physical tasks typical of food service work.
• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Food service basics

Sanitation procedures

Cash handling

Physical stamina

Instruction following

Tools

Cash register

Food service equipment

Job description

Departmental Assistant (Line Server - Fall 2026)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises

Department: Campus Center/Student Union

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: part time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Line Server (Departmental Assistant) 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

• 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.

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 Cafe, and other Auxiliary Enterprises Cafes.

The successful applicant will be a part of the bargaining unit after working at least (10) hours per week and (6) weeks in a calendar year.

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

Schedule will vary based on departmental needs and may include nights, weekends, and holidays. This is a temporary position for the 2026 - 2027 UMass Academic Year and employment will be from 8/30/2026 up to 5/29/2027.

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $15.00 - $19.00

Special Instructions for Applicants

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.