Triple Unit Cook

Smith College; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA is seeking a dining services cook to work under the supervision of the unit chef and Area manager, preparing and presenting meals during assigned shifts.

You will collaborate with staff to maintain a safe, sanitary operation, review menus, plan production, and ensure accurate food handling and cost control while adhering to department policies. Flexible schedule includes several weekday shifts.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school education or vocational school education plus a minimum of two years of educational and or commercial experience in quantity cookery that includes baking.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.
• Current state approved sanitation certificate is required.
• Culinary Arts Degree at a post‑secondary level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner following standards and recipes.
• Prepare breakfast items, soups, entrees, sauces, vegetables, salads, breads, desserts, and special diets as needed.
• Assist in the preparation and service of other meals when on duty.
• Contribute to food production demands of other shifts including tea preparation.
• Check all food for proper temperature, flavor, and appearance before each meal.
• Monitor the food service area during service and replenish items as needed.
• Work with Dining Room Coordinators to ensure food is served safely and attractively.
• Store leftover foods properly to ensure safety and cost control.
• Plan usage of frozen items and ensure proper thawing under refrigeration.
• Communicate amounts used to the Chef and assist in cost control.
• Assist with ordering of food and supplies and in other related tasks.

Skills

Physical strength

Stamina

Teamwork

Communication

Sanitation standards

Adaptability

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts degree preferred

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Proper food storage

Sanitation protocols

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail].

Department Dining Services Job Description Position Summary

Work under the direction of the unit chef and Area manager to prepare and present meals and all related items during assigned shifts.

Work cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in accordance with departmental policies.

Review upcoming menus and food orders and work cooperatively and accurately in planning food production.

The schedule is as follows:
Thu: 11:30am-7:30pm
Fri: 11:30am-7:30pm
Sat: 11:30am-7:30pm
Sun: 11:30am-7:30pm
Mon: 6am-2pm
Tue: off
Wed: off

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance with Dining Services standards and recipes.
• These include, but are not limited to, breakfast items, soups, entrees including meats, sauces, vegetables, salads, dressings, breads, desserts, and meal alternatives as well as special diets/dietary accommodations.
• Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty.
• Contribute to the food production demands of other shifts including tea preparation.
• Check all food for proper temperature, flavor, and appearance before each meal.
• Monitor the food service area prior to and during service and replenish food items.
• Work cooperatively with Dining Room Coordinators to ensure that all food is being served in a safe and attractive manner.
• Utilize and properly store leftover food to ensure safe product handling and effective food cost control.
• Plan usages of frozen items to ensure proper thawing under refrigeration.
• Communicate amounts of product used to the Chef.
• Understand and accurately use all available tools to control costs.
• Ensure that deliveries are checked in, inspected, weighed, and properly put away using first in, first out rules.
• Rotate other refrigerated food as needed, report any discrepancies of itemization or unacceptable quality to the Area Manager or Food Purchasing Office immediately.
• Assist with the ordering of food and other supplies as necessary.
• Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty.
• Contribute to the food production demands of other shifts including tea preparation, and perform all other related or relevant tasks.
• Clean and sanitize all Dining Services areas and equipment including routine floor maintenance on each shift.
• Support and maintain proper sanitation and recycling procedures.
• Communicate with all people accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner, including proper labeling and dating all prepared foods.
• Work cooperatively with the area manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation.
• Responsible for reviewing and understanding all departmental notices.
• Utilize e‑mail and all college computer access responsibly.
• Attend departmental meetings and training workshops as requested.
• Participate in the preparation and service of special events, as needed.
• Complete required payroll forms and scheduling forms within deadlines.
• Perform all other job related or relevant tasks.
• Initiate teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of high school education or vocational school education plus a minimum of two years of educational and or commercial experience in quantity cookery that includes baking.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.
• Current state approved sanitation certificate is required.
• Culinary Arts Degree at a post‑secondary level preferred.

Requirements of the position are consistent with the responsibilities and duties of persons within the food service profession in adherence with all state and federal guidelines.

Skills

• Ability to tolerate exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, higher than normal noise levels, and heat and humidity consistent with that produced by commercial kitchen equipment.
• Must demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to effectively cook, clean and receive supplies while properly utilizing standard food service utensils and equipment.
• Must be able to safely lift and move 50 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, bend, reach, pull and push.
• Must also be able to manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively for variable periods of time - up to 65% of an assigned shift.
• Must be mobile between kitchen and dining areas and other campus food service areas.
• Must possess the sensory ability to taste/smell.
• Must possess good vision with or without correction.
• Must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standard and consistent with college policy.
• Must adhere to the sustainability initiatives set by Dining Services.

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $25.87. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student‑faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross‑enroll and faculty cross‑teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Smith College seeks to attract individuals who are committed to our mission of providing the highest quality education to women. Smith College enjoys the reputation as one of the finest colleges in the country. This reputation, tempered by time and challenged by change, holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty and administration. We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students.

Smith at a Glance https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/smith-glance