Dining Room Coordinator (Anticipated Opening)

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 25,344 - 36,096; Full time

Job summary

Smith College is seeking a Dining Services position for the academic year in Northampton, MA. This is a full-time role requiring 40 hours per week with a starting hourly rate of $22.30. Responsibilities include serving food, maintaining dining areas, and training student workers.

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, experience in fine dining, and the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment. Applicants should complete high school or vocational education and preferably possess ServSafe certification.

Qualifications

• 2 years combined educational and/or commercial experience in hospitality.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Experience in fine dining and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Serve students and guests in dining facilities.
• Monitor the dining area during service.
• Clean and maintain all assigned areas.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Physical strength and coordination

Basic computer skills

Education

High school or vocational education

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Overview

This position is for the academic school year (9 months per year). This is a 40‑hour/week, fully benefited position.

Essential Functions

Serve students and guests in dining facilities. Prepare dining area for meal service, including setting up equipment, tableware, and arranging items logically, following the menu as a guide. Deliver food to the service area sequentially to ensure proper temperature. Set up ancillary items and decorate for specialized/theme dining. Monitor the dining area during service to ensure adequate food, sanitary conditions, and proper check‑ins. Store food safely after service, clean up, and prepare service areas for the next meal. Assist in preparation and service of special dinners and functions. Work with student work coordinators to train, instruct, and develop competent workers for all dining service duties; verify student payrolls. Demonstrate safe work habits, set pace, and establish expected work quality. Oversee smooth, safe, and efficient dining room and dish pantry operations.

Clean, organize, and maintain all assigned dish pantry, storage, serving, and dining areas according to schedule, including dishwashing, sanitizing equipment, cleaning salad bars, shelving, and vacuums. Maintain vacuum equipment, dry mopping, sweeping, and mopping floors. Set up and maintain dining access systems, welcome guests, verify ID, collect meal money, record counts, and review registers with the Area Manager. Order, receive, and store linen and supplies correctly. Inventory china, silver, equipment, and glassware. Submit work orders. Follow opening and closing procedures, secure equipment, handle recycling and waste disposal, display a positive public image, use computers for allergen info and labels, communicate professionally, cooperate with staff and guests, update menu boards, and use email responsibly.

Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as assigned. Complete payroll and scheduling forms on time. Perform related tasks and foster teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of high school or vocational education and a minimum 2 years combined educational and/or commercial experience in hospitality.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic.
• Banquet waitperson or front‑of‑house experience in fine dining and customer service.
• ServSafe certification preferred; some culinary experience.
• Position duties consistent with state and federal guidelines of the food service profession.

Skills

• Tolerate exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, high noise, heat, and humidity from commercial kitchen equipment.
• Demonstrate physical strength and coordination for cleaning, receiving supplies, and using food service utensils.
• Safely lift and move 25 pounds; work from a step stool; walk, stand, bend, reach, pull, and push for extended periods.
• Manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively up to 45% of shift.
• Move between work stations and dining areas; possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Maintain good vision with or without correction.
• Practice good personal hygiene, wear clean uniform per public health standards.
• Obtain Serv‑Safe, Food Allergen, and Anti‑Choke certifications within one year and stay current.
• Adhere to sustainability initiatives.
• Basic computer skills: sending/receiving email, ordering supplies, sign making.

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $22.30; new hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Smith College is an EO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, Smith College provides reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship.

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or disability.