Casual Retail Dining Assistant (Casual)

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 Retail Dining Assistant position. The Casual Retail Dining Assistant is a part-time (up to 19 hours per week), casual position with no benefits. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $16.50-17.00 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.

The Casual Retail Dining Assistant is committed to quality and excellent customer service. This position will be responsible for food and beverage preparation, counter service, and potentially light administrative duties in our retail locations and/or as assigned. This role will ensure proper and safe food handling measures, including labeling, dating, and rotating product. The Retail Dining Assistant will be responsible for barista-style beverage crafting, which will include the operation of espresso machines and following recipes closely. Duties may also include coverage at the Mammoth Market and Alumni Pub, where cashiering, stocking, monitoring guests, and providing great customer service will be required. The candidate will also take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.


The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College's operational needs. The position may include working at multiple locations on campus, which will require walking across campus. Our work is central to student life and 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 required. In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and may be required to report to work or remain on duty even when the College is closed.

Food Safety and Allergen Awareness

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 and Beverage Service and Preparation

• Serve both high-quality breakfast and lunch menu items as well as specialty espresso beverages to our campus community
  
• Maintain a clean and neat work space, properly stock and rotate food and beverages
  
• Promote high standards of service and food quality
  

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service, maintain a clean and neat sales space, assist with merchandise stocking and displays, and properly adhere to cashiering standards of operation
  

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Helping to keep the facility clean and orderly before and after service
  
• Ware and dish washing, table wiping, trash and recycling removal, and sweeping and mopping floors
  

Communication

• Effectively and respectfully communicate with our community and coworkers
  
• This includes operational needs and concerns
  
• Stay up to date on college communications via your amherst.edu email account
  
• Communicate schedule needs and changes in a timely and effective manner
  

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
  
  
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
  
• Required reference and background checks, including CORI check
  

The individual has daily interaction with the campus community, involving both verbal and written communication. This includes but is not limited to:

• Working directly with our customers in a display cooking setting
  
• Accepting the direction, training, and support provided by supervisors
  
• Communicating with customers regarding their needs, suggestions, and concerns
  
• Reporting operational issues, concerns, and needs through appropriate channels
  
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos
  
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations with other employees of the organization
  

Preferred

• Barista, food service, or retail experience
  
• Food Handler or ServSafe Certification
  
  
• TIPS Certification
  

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.

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.