Casual Dining Assistant

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Casual Dining Assistant position. The position is casual with periods of reduced or no hours during college breaks and summer, non-benefitted, part-time, and compensated at an hourly rate, paid weekly.  Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting the priorities of the College.

The Casual Dining Assistant supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with excellent service experience in our dining facility.  This position supports the execution of food and beverage services in the Valentine Dining Hall to include serving, refilling, stocking, cleaning and sanitizing, washing, and always ensuring a safe work environment for employees and guests. This position involves direct customer service and constant interaction with the campus community requiring oneself to always present in a kind, welcoming, professional, approachable, and supportive manner.

The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College’s operational needs.  At times, this position may be asked to assist with evening production in student dining or assist with catering and campus-wide events at any time.  As our work is central to student life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and in such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is sometimes required.  In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and should report to work or remain on duty even though the College is closed.

Pay Rate: $16.00 | Hours: Vary | Essential Reporting Personnel 

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Move, serve, stock, finish, and refill food, beverages, and related items

• Ensure that plating and portion size standards are followed

• Clean, sanitize, organize, and maintain dining hall surfaces, fixtures, and equipment

• Maintain College operational standards and Health Department regulations

• Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner

• Set up food items prior to and during meals, meeting established standards, and manage the rotation of goods to ensure the highest quality

• Perform work in a safe and efficient manner; ensure operational organization before, during, and after service

• Ensure that equipment used is in sound, working order; tools used are properly cared for and stored

• Communicate operational needs and concerns effectively and proactively

• Maintain a commitment to the quality of our resources and work to prevent loss and eliminate waste

• Promote our standards of quality and service and the safety of our work environment

• Sort, wash, and restock service wares, dishware, glassware, and silverware used in dining service according to college standards 

• Other responsibilities performed as requested or assigned

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

• 1 to 3 years of related experience

• Positive attitude and passion for delivering excellent customer service in a diverse and inclusive community

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

• Ability to see, taste, feel, smell, and describe foods and beverages 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

• Stamina and physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time

• Ability to frequently stoop, bend, reach, twist, and lift items up to 50 pounds independently and over 50 pounds with assistance.

• Ability to maneuver a cart through pushing and pulling  

• Ability to perform repetitive motion 

• Work in a food service environment with variable environmental conditions and near or with cooking equipment that produces heat and cold as well as steam, vapor, and odors related to foods

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including reporting to work or remain on duty even when the College is closed

• Attention to detail and quality standards

• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

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