Kitchen Assistant

Mount Holyoke College; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Disability and leave benefits

Life insurance (1x salary)

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons focuses on a diverse menu with stations for WOK, Baraka, L'Chaim, and Halal options, offering salads and vegan/vegetarian choices while prioritizing safety and sanitation. The Kitchen Assistant supports dishwashing, food prep, and station maintenance in a community setting.

In this in-person, full-time role, you may supervise student staff and assist with deliveries and stock as needed, contributing to a positive dining experience for students, faculty, and

Qualifications

• Good communication skills, both written and orally.
• General knowledge of food and operation of kitchen/dish room equipment.
• Ability to pass a physical examination without restrictions.
• Ability to lift/move an average of 50 pounds without restrictions.
• Willingness to participate in a ServSafe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification.
• Ability to maintain an extraordinarily positive attitude in dealing with students and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and give direction to others.
• Must comply with safety and sanitation regulations as prescribed by law.
• Must comply with proper dress code as designated by the Department.

Responsibilities

• Operating and maintaining dish machines according to proper procedures.
• Washing all pots, pans and utensils, cleans up the dish return area, dining rooms and service areas following proper health and sanitation practices.
• Recording accurate Time & Temp logs along with proper PH balance of sanitizers in pot sinks and dish machines.
• Washing all tables and chairs as needed, mops floors between meal periods or as needed, emptying trash and compost in proper receptacles.
• Emptying grease trap catch screens and keeping them clean.
• Keeping all work areas clean, free of debris and sanitized at all times.
• Maintaining the flow of dishes, silverware, pots, pans so they don't get backed up and delivering them back to their designated areas.
• At times, will provide direction, supervision, and training to student staff and must maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Assists in putting away food orders and deliveries as needed.
• Working with others, including students, as well as work alone without supervision.

Skills

Communication skills

Food safety

Dish room equipment

Physical fitness

ServSafe readiness

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Dress code adherence

Job description

Job no:

R-0000003425

Position Title:

Kitchen Assistant

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

08/24/2026

Job Description:

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons offers a diverse array of cuisines tailored to meet various dietary preferences and needs. Our menu frequently rotates to provide students, faculty, and staff with an expansive selection. Highlights include the customizable WOK station, offering personalized stir fry dishes, and the Baraka station, specializing is Halal cuisine. For those seeking Kosher options, the L'Chaim station is available. Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting nutritious, flavorful meals that cater to the diverse tastes of our students, faculty, and staff. We prioritize safety and sanitation in all meal preparations. In addition to Vegan and Vegetarian options, we strive to create an inclusive dining environment where every person, despite their dietary needs, can enjoy healthy and delicious foods.

Essential Functions:

• Operating and maintaining dish machines according to proper procedures.
• Washing all pots, pans and utensils, cleans up the dish return area, dining rooms and service areas following proper health and sanitation practices.
• Recording accurate Time & Temp logs along with proper PH balance of sanitizers in pot sinks and dish machines.
• Washing all tables and chairs as needed, mops floors between meal periods or as needed, emptying trash and compost in proper receptacles.
• Emptying grease trap catch screens and keeping them clean.
• Keeping all work areas clean, free of debris and sanitized at all times.
• Maintaining the flow of dishes, silverware, pots, pans so they don't get backed up and delivering them back to their designated areas.
• At times, will provide direction, supervision, and training to student staff and must maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Assists in putting away food orders and deliveries as needed.
• Working with others, including students, as well as work alone without supervision.

Qualifications:

• Good communication skills, both written and orally.
• General knowledge of food and operation of kitchen/dish room equipment.
• Ability to pass a physical examination without restrictions.
• Ability to lift/move an average of 50 pounds without restrictions.
• Willingness to participate in a ServSafe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification.
• Ability to maintain an extraordinarily positive attitude in dealing with students and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and give direction to others.
• Must comply with safety and sanitation regulations as prescribed by law.
• Must comply with proper dress code as designated by the Department.

Entry Rate $20.43 - Working Rate $21.77 Dining Video

Please note that this position falls under a Union, which ensures fair compensation and benefits for all employees.

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program

  Background Checks:

  Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

  It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.