Evening Kitchen Cook & Prep Specialist

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a Culinary Worker II for Worcester Dining Commons to support cooking, cleaning and serving duties in a busy food service operation. The role emphasizes following recipes, food safety and teamwork in a cafeteria setting.

Responsibilities include cooking in quantity, reading menus, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring sanitary storage and display cooking when needed. The position is on-site with a rotating schedule and requires compliance with health standards.

Qualifications

• At least six months of food service experience or completion of culinary certificate program.
• Must be certified as a food handler within six months of start date (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and to assist in the preparation of more complex dishes.
• Ability to perform display cooking.
• Knowledge of sanitary methods for handling and serving food.
• Ability to use kitchen equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to read and follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work with customers and colleagues in a diverse environment.

Responsibilities

• Cooks food in large quantities by following recipes and SOPs. May perform display cooking as assigned.
• Reads computer generated recipes and menus for simple meals.
• Cleans cooking equipment, work areas, food areas, counters, floors, carts, trays and utensils.
• Preps ingredients: peels, chops, washes, and cooks foods for simple dishes.
• Transports food to storage and serving areas, and serves food to diners.
• Assists other staff with preparation of more complex dishes.
• Roasts, fries, boils, broilS and seasons meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and other foods.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes and uses kitchen tools.
• Evaluates food quality, quantity, appearance, temperature, and taste.
• Separates and removes trash and places in designated containers.

Skills

Food service experience

Food handler certification

Cooking simple meals

Display cooking

Recipe reading

Kitchen equipment safety

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Culinary certificate

ServSafe certification

Job description

UMass Amherst is seeking a Culinary Worker II for Worcester Dining Commons to support cooking, cleaning and serving duties in a busy food service operation. The role emphasizes following recipes, food safety and teamwork in a cafeteria setting.

Responsibilities include cooking in quantity, reading menus, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring sanitary storage and display cooking when needed. The position is on-site with a rotating schedule and requires compliance with health standards.