Prep Cook

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 Prep Cook position (multiple openings). The Prep Cook 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 salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information. The Prep Cook supports Amherst College Dining Services by contributing to the preparation, production, and execution of high-quality menu items for a diverse campus community. Working as part of the culinary team, this role is responsible for performing a variety of food preparation tasks to ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistency in production, and readiness for service. The Prep Cook plays a key role in maintaining organized, clean, and well-stocked prep areas while following standardized recipes and established procedures. This position requires attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while supporting the overall success of dining operations. This individual takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College’s efforts to build a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work 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. 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. Summary of Responsibilities: Food Preparation & Production -Prepares assigned menu items to established standards, including hot and cold foods, packaged meals, and ready-to-eat items, following standardized recipes and production methods. -Maintains compliance with operational standards and Health Department regulations. -Ensures all work areas are clean, organized, and sanitary at all times. -Sets up and replenishes food items before and during service, ensuring proper rotation and product quality. -Performs work safely and efficiently, maintaining organization before, during, and after service. -Ensures all equipment is in proper working order and that tools are used, maintained, and stored appropriately. -Communicates operational needs, challenges, and opportunities proactively and effectively. -Collaborates effectively with a diverse group of colleagues and students to support daily operations. Inventory & Product Management -Assists with inventory management of storage and supply areas. -Inspects deliveries for quality and accuracy, reporting discrepancies or deficiencies. -Communicates product needs through established ordering or reporting channels. -Supports efforts to minimize waste and loss through proper handling, storage, and usage of products. 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 work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment. -Basic knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, or willingness to learn. -Ability to follow standardized recipes, instructions, and food safety procedures. -Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency. -Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. -Effective communication skills. -Commitment to working with a diverse 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 food service, kitchen preparation, or a related environment. -Familiarity with food safety, sanitation, and kitchen equipment. -Experience working in a high-volume or institutional dining setting. -ServSafe Certification, or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe. -Experience working in a diverse, team-oriented environment. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) 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. Welcome to Amherst College! We are excited to share our current openings. You are invited to explore the opportunities available and we encourage you to apply for those that are aligned with your skills and experience. Thank you again for your interest in Amherst College Amherst College, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, is located in Amherst, Massachusetts—a town of about 35,000 residents in the western part of the state. The college community includes around 1,800 students from 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 54 countries around the world, along with about 1,000 staff and faculty members. The scenic 1,000-acre campus features a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the Book and Plow Farm; three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History , and Mead Art Museum; and multiple educational and cultural venues and resources through the Five College Consortium. Amherst College is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or the administration of its programs and activities based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Amherst College complies with all relevant state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. If you have any related inquiries, please contact the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. 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. Amherst College's policy is to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Click here for information about Title IX at Amherst. Inquiries may be directed to: Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator Amherst College 79 S Pleasant Street Suite 120 Amherst, MA 01002 View email address on click.appcast.io Amherst.edu/offices/title-ix