Food Service Attendant (Retail)

Food Service Attendant (Retail)

Amherst College invites applications for the Food Service Attendant (Retail) position (multiple openings). The Food Service Attendant (Retail) 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: $19.98 to $20.25 per hour.

The Food Service Attendant is responsible for contributing to an exceptional artisan craft food and beverage program in the assorted retail spaces. Working with cafe supervision, this position will be expected to prepare and produce all staple food and beverage menu options. This role serves as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, contributing directly to a welcoming, inclusive, and energetic cafe environment.

Working under the guidance of Retail Supervisors, the Food Service Attendant ensures daily operations run smoothly by maintaining strict adherence to recipes, presentation standards, food safety protocols, and cleanliness guidelines. This position requires a positive attitude, a flexible approach to work, strong communication skills, and a commitment to hospitality in a fast-paced retail environment.

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.

The Food Service Attendant takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College's ongoing efforts to build and sustain a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to assist in multiple operational areas are essential, as work schedules and assignments vary based on College needs.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Food & Beverage

• Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee, espresso, tea, and blended beverages according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Cook, assemble, and portion light food items, pastries, and grab-and-go options, prioritizing aesthetic arrangements.
• Operate and maintain specialized cafe equipment, including but not limited to espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and brewers, reporting any maintenance issues to the supervisor.
• Monitor inventory levels of all goods on the service floor, restocking stations proactively to prevent service disruptions.
• Alert supervisors to low stock levels, expired products, or item discrepancies.
• Assist in receiving, unpacking, and organizing stock deliveries in storage areas, practicing proper first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation methods.
• Perform ongoing cleaning duties, including washing dishes, sanitizing food prep surfaces, cleaning equipment, emptying trash, and sweeping or mopping floors.

Customer Service

• Welcome guests warmly, take food and beverage orders when needed and provide a high level of customer service that reflects the College's standards of hospitality.
• Demonstrate knowledge of menu items and ingredients to ensure accuracy and respond appropriately to customer questions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting seating and counter area for guests throughout the shift.
• Operate cash registers and electronic point-of-sale systems to process credit and campus ID transactions efficiently.

Food Safety & Allergen Awareness

• Understands and implements all established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols.
• Actively supports individuals with food allergies by following proper handling, communication, and service procedures.
• Applies knowledge from required food safety and allergen training sessions consistently in daily work.

Teamwork, Inclusion & Professional Conduct

• Takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues across areas to meet operational needs.

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 courteous, professional, and responsive customer service in a high-volume dining environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and work cooperatively with colleagues, students, and guests from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standardized recipes, and established service and safety procedures with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness, or willingness to learn and apply required protocols through mandatory training.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and service needs.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and composure in fast-paced or high-pressure service situations.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 lbs. or more with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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

• Experience working in a retail service environment, such as a cafe, restaurant, catering operation, or institutional dining setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing inclusive, respectful service to individuals with diverse needs, including those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to anticipate guest needs and respond appropriately to questions or concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively across language and cultural differences.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and allergen control practices.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Interest in professional growth within food service, hospitality, or institutional dining operations.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.