Kitchen Assistant - High School Student (part-time)

Clay Today; Portland, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Bowdoin College is seeking a Kitchen Assistant/Dining Hall Assistant (part-time) to support food production and service in dining halls. The role involves ingredient prep, service setup, safe food handling, dishwashing, and sanitation, with opportunities to assist in both front and back-of-house tasks.

Applicants must be at least 16, have 9th grade education, and preferably hold ServSafe certification. Shifts vary across mornings to evenings, with weekend differentials possible and an onsite,

Qualifications

• 9th grade education or higher is required.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Current ServSafe certification or complete the online food safety course upon hire.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong commitment to dependability and punctuality.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal direction.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of good personal hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ingredient preparation for hot and cold food production.
• Assist with servery set-up, service, and replenishment.
• Follow proper food prep, handling and storage procedures.
• Prepare food as a display or egg cook.
• Serve food with portion control and serving procedures.
• Assist in dishwashing tasks and cleaning duties.
• Support sanitation: clean prep station, hot line, and dining areas.
• Greet and assist dining service patrons; provide coverage as needed.

Skills

ServSafe certification

Customer service

Problem solving

Dependability & punctuality

Teamwork

Following directions

Hygiene practices

Independent work

Education

9th grade education or higher

At least 16 years of age

Job description

Kitchen Assistant - High School Student (part-time)

Posting Number: C00432JP

Department: Dining Service - Thorne Hall

Job Summary

Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College boasts a student population of almost 2000. Our Dining Services Department makes everything from scratch and are consistently rated in the top 10 for college dining! We have our own butcher shop, bakeshop, and organic garden that all supply food to our two dining halls and three retail locations.

Under supervision of dining supervisors and regular staff, we are seeking a Kitchen Assistant/Dining Hall Assistant to join our team. This is a part-time, entry-level role that supports food production and service operations at Bowdoin College's Dining Halls. Responsibilities include: Assisting with ingredient preparation for use in recipes for both hot and cold food production, being mindful of cross contamination of foods Assisting with servery set-up, service, and replenishment Following appropriate food prepping, handling and storage procedures; Preparing food as a display or egg cook; Serving food while adhering to portion control and serving procedures Assisting in dishwashing tasks including scraping dirty dishes, loading and unloading pot and dish machine, and stacking clean dishware Assisting in sanitation duties including cleaning preparation station and hot line, holding and dispensing equipment, sweeping and mopping kitchen, dining room and service area, and wiping walls, tables and chairs Greeting and assisting dining service patrons Providing coverage for the front and back of the house, filling in as needed.

The hourly rate for this position is $16.80 per hour.

Shift differentials (2nd shift - 10% shift differential, 3rd shift - 15% shift differential, plus an additional $1.00/hour during weekend working hours).

Education/Skills Requirements

9th grade education or higher is required; must be at least 16 years of age Current ServSafe certification or complete the online food safety course upon hire Strong problem-solving skills Strong customer service skills Strong commitment to dependability and punctuality Ability to understand and practice recycling and sustainability practices Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment Ability to follow written and verbal direction Ability to work independently and as part of a team Working knowledge of good personal hygiene practices

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents

Entry level position, no prior work experience required At least one year of experience inbasic food production and/or ingredient preparation techniques and basic knife skills (i.e. chopping, dicing, slicing) highly preferred

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.

Standard Work Days and Hours

This is an onsite, part-time, non-benefit eligible position working less than 20 hours/ week There is opportunity for flexible scheduling with shifts available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Scheduling accommodations are available based on the candidate's availability.

Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).

We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

About Bowdoin

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.

We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.

Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.

Shift: N/A

Employment Category: Casual

Benefits Eligible: No

Pay Type: Hourly

Background Check Package Requirements: Support Staff

Is driving a Bowdoin vehicle an essential function of this job?:

Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?: Yes

Posting Date: 08/14/2026

Applications Accepted Until:

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants

If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.

EEO Information

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.