Departmental Assistant (Line Server - UMass Dining)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a Departmental Assistant (Line Server) to assist in preparing simple hot and cold foods, serve diners, and maintain clean work and dining areas in campus dining facilities onsite in Amherst.

You will operate a cash register, support cooks, and follow standard recipes and safety procedures as part of a temporary 2026-2027 academic year assignment with potential for renewal.

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.

Responsibilities

• Move food from storage, load carts, and transport to serving areas.
• Serve food to diners.
• Assist in the preparation of simple hot and cold foods using standard recipes.
• Assist cooks and staff using food service equipment following safety procedures.
• Clean preparation, serving, and dining areas to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Operate a cash register to process cash sales.
• Wash dishes, trays, utensils, and pots and pans using available equipment to maintain cleanliness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food service operations knowledge

Food service sanitation procedures

Physical stamina

Ability to follow instructions

Job description

Title: Departmental Assistant (Line Server)

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 Café, and other Auxiliary Enterprises Cafés.

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.

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

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

Salary Information

• Pay Grade: No Pay Grade
• Associated Pay Grade:
• Hourly Rate: $15.00 - $19.00