Cook's Helper

Location: Bennington,Vermont,United States

Dining on campus is a quintessential part of the overall college experience. The Bennington College Dining Services team takes great pride in providing an experience our students, faculty/staff and guests will find memorable. Through our variety of dining locations, menu offerings, and friendly and welcoming staff, the team strives to make every dining experience extraordinary.

The Cook's Helper is responsible for assisting with the preparation of all menu items for assigned meals and general food production. All Dining Services employees must comply with applicable sanitation, health and safety guidelines and assist with meeting the overall objectives of the dining services department. We have two opportunities available. The current rate of pay is $19.50/hour. 

Available shift:

• Tuesday through Saturday 11:30am to 8:00pm

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist with preparing all meals (hot and cold foods) and miscellaneous food production as assigned. Ensure that all food is properly prepared and served at the correct temperature. Monitor food usage throughout the meal and maintain supply of food for line or service.
• As required, assist with ensuring availability of supplies and food or approved substitutions in adequate time for preparation. Apportion food for serving. Complete food temperature checks before service.
• Adhere to standardized cycle menu and advise chef of any discrepancies.
• Follow all standardized recipes and advise chef of any discrepancies in recipes.
• Assume the responsibilities of the cook in his/her absence; direct student employees and coordinate with staff in assigned roles to ensure effective/efficient functioning of all dining services
• Responsible for awareness of scheduled catering functions and for executing functions as assigned.
• Assist with the timely service of all assigned meals. Assist with food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature and appearance of food is preserved.
• Assist with/participate in the cleaning of the general work area including cooking and serving areas as well as the equipment used in production.
• As needed, assist with the operation of the Snack Bar or Grab and Go lunch service; prepare light fare/meals, manage light cooking, ensure adequate stock of ready-made meals and handle related cash receipts and meal-card sales. 10. Provide general guidance and assistance to students/summer and temporary workers regarding work assignments.
• Assist with retrieval/stocking of food products from/to kitchen storage areas.
• Operate assigned vehicles as required to assist with transport of goods/personnel to designated areas and/or to facilitate execution of job functions. Report any mechanical defects in vehicle to supervisor.
• Deliver, set up and pick-up of special parties as required. Assist in the proper set up and service of small functions.
• Responsible for proper handling and storage of all foods prepared/served.
• Promote a positive and congenial atmosphere and working relationship with students, employees, supervisors and other individuals that this position may come in contact with. Work effectively with other personnel to complete/coordinate designated duties.
• Maintain proper care of equipment. Report necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Adhere to proper dress code requirements, as determined by season and function. 
• Comply with established sanitation standards and health standards for kitchen and kitchen storage areas. Observe proper food preparation, handling and storage techniques. 19. Follow established safety rules and regulations including using appropriate guards and safety devices on all equipment. Maintain a safe and clean work environment. Keep informed of all material safety data sheets. Attend and successfully complete/pass College-sponsored safety classes and seminars.
• Use proper judgment in work assignments on a daily basis and recommend improvements in work efficiency. Effectively manage own time.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to p