Checker

Checker Position

Amherst College invites applications for the Checker position (multiple openings). The Checker is a full-time, academic-year position. The position begins in mid-July 2026 and will transition to an academic-year schedule beginning in 2027. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $19.64 - $20.00 per hour.

The Checker supports Amherst College Dining Services by serving as the first point of contact for students, staff, faculty, and guests entering dining facilities. This role is responsible for managing access to dining locations, providing accurate and courteous customer service, and ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for the campus community.

Working in a fast-paced, high-traffic setting, the Checker utilizes systems such as Atrium and Agilysys to verify meal plans, grant access, and track guest activity. This position plays a key role in resolving access and meal plan questions, communicating clearly with guests, and escalating concerns when appropriate.

The Checker contributes to the overall dining experience by maintaining an organized and presentable entry area, supporting operational flow, and assisting with basic dining room upkeep as needed. This role requires professionalism, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.

The Checker takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Work schedule varies based on College needs, requiring flexibility and extended shifts.

All Dining Services employees are responsible for understanding and implementing established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols. Team members must actively support and respond appropriately to individuals with food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience for all community members.

Employees are expected to apply the knowledge and procedures covered in mandatory training sessions in the course of their daily duties. Maintaining these safety standards is essential to protect the health and well-being of our students, guests, and colleagues. Failure to adhere to required food safety and allergen control practices may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Summary of Responsibilities

Access & System Operations

• Verifies and grants access to dining facilities using Atrium and Agilysys systems in accordance with Dining Services policies.
• Accurately tracks and maintains guest counts and entry data.
• Assists guests with meal plan access, questions, and concerns, escalating issues to management as needed.

Customer Service & Guest Experience

• Greets students, staff, faculty, and guests in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner.
• Provides clear, accurate information regarding dining access, policies, and procedures.
• Helps resolve guest concerns with professionalism, patience, and discretion.
• Maintains a positive and inclusive environment at all times.

Dining Operations Support

• Distributes to-go containers to approved community members in accordance with established guidelines.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, organized, and presentable dining area, particularly at entry and high-traffic points.
• Supports overall dining room flow and communicates operational concerns to supervisors.

Communication & Accountability

• Reports issues related to guest access, system errors, or customer concerns promptly to management.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors and team members to ensure smooth operations.
• Follows established procedures and adapts to changing operational needs.

Safety, Compliance & Inclusion

• Maintains awareness of food safety and allergen protocols within the dining environment.
• Takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
• Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience; 1-3 years of food service experience.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse population.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn point-of-sale or access systems (Atrium, Agilysys).
• Attention to detail and ability to manage transactions and counts accurately.
• Ability to problem-solve and escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while remaining attentive and engaged.
• Commitment to working in a welcoming and inclusive community.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test.

Preferred

• Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, retail, or a similar guest-facing role.
• Experience using POS systems or access control software.
• Experience working in a high-traffic or institutional environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively across diverse populations.