Utility Assistant, Floater

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA is seeking a dining services assistant to clean dishes, cookware, and dining areas, and assist culinary staff with basic prep. The role supports a cordial dining atmosphere for students and guests under supervision.

Responsibilities include maintaining sanitation, training student workers, and coordinating with the Dining Room Coordinator. Must meet sanitation certification within 1 year and communicate effectively in writing and speech.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, or 1 year of kitchen experience.
• Must obtain sanitation certificate within 1 year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Clean dishes, cookware, kitchen and dining areas to maintain sanitation.
• Maintain dishwashing station and related areas in order.
• Assist culinary staff with food preparation tasks as needed.
• Support staff in stocking, labeling foods and inventory tasks.
• Collaborate with Dining Room Coordinator and Manager to train student workers.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Basic arithmetic

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Sanitation certificate within 1 year

Job description

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

DepartmentDining ServicesJob Description

Position Summary

Cleans service ware, cookware and kitchen, dining room and store rooms during assigned shifts and assists in the cleaning of all Dining Services areas and equipment. Works cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in accordance with work rules and departmental policies. Assist the culinary staff in food preparation. Supports the creation of a dining atmosphere which is cordial and accommodating for all students and college guests under the guidance of the cook or chef on duty and direction from the Manager. Assist in multiple dining locations during regularly scheduled shift as needs arise. Reviews student worker schedules and recommends support for dining operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Utility/Production:

• Ensure guest satisfaction by maintaining all dishes, pots, pans, silverware, glasses, equipment, and kitchen utensils are cleaned and sanitized
• Maintains dishwashing station, three compartment sink and related areas are cleaned
• Ensures equipment is clean and in working condition; reports any issues to management
• Work with the student work coordinators to train, instruct and develop competent workers
• Assists in the routine cleaning and organizing of the refrigerators and freezers. Assists staff in taking inventories.
• Assists the staff in cleanings and sanitizing all Dining Rooms and Service areas including routine floor maintenance.
• Assists the staff with restocking service ware and replenishing empty service containers during busy meal periods.
• Communicates with all people accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner, including labeling and dating foods.
• Assist the culinary staff in food preparation tasks such as chopping, cleaning, peeling or other basic culinary techniques
• Works collaboratively with the Dining Room Coordinator and Student Manager to develop student workers.
• Works cooperatively with the Area Manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation.

Other Duties:

• Responsible for reviewing and understanding all departmental notices.
• Utilizes e-mail and all college computer access responsibly.
• Attends departmental meetings and training workshops as requested.
• Participates in the preparation and service of special events, as needed.
• Completes required payroll forms and scheduling forms within stated or established deadlines.
• Performs all other related or relevant tasks.
• Initiates teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.

Qualifications, Education/Experience:

• Completion of high school education or vocational school education or 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial experience in a kitchen ; current state approved sanitation certificate is required within 1 year of hiring.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.

Preferred:

• Commercial kitchen experience.

Skills:

• Must be able 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 prepare, 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 70% of an assigned shift.
• Must be mobile between kitchen and dining areas and other campus food service areas.
• Must possess good vision, the sensory ability to taste/smell and must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and consistent with college policy

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $23.36. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type

Regular

Review of applications will begin

August 5, 2026

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.