Food Service Attendant

Food Service Assistant

Amherst College invites applications for the Food Service Assistant position (multiple openings). The Food Service Assistant 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 Services Assistant supports Amherst College Dining Services by performing a combination of food preparation and service responsibilities that are essential to the daily operation of the College's dining program. This position collaborates closely with the culinary team to ensure that high-quality food is prepared, presented, and served in a manner that is safe, efficient, and welcoming to the diverse campus community.

The Food Services Assistant contributes to the production and implementation of menu items by assisting with basic food preparation tasks, maintaining clean and organized workspaces, and supporting culinary and food service operations during meal periods. In service areas, this role provides accurate, courteous, and attentive customer service, ensuring that food lines are properly stocked, clearly labeled, and operated in accordance with established standards.

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 Services Assistant 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 Preparation & Production

• Assists with basic food preparation tasks, including washing, cutting, portioning, and assembling ingredients according to standardized recipes and production needs. Supports culinary staff with preparation of menu items for daily service, catering, and special events. Maintains cleanliness and organization of prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces. Properly labels, dates, and stores food items in accordance with food safety guidelines.

Service & Customer Interaction

• Works on food lines and/or other service areas as assigned, providing courteous, professional, and efficient service. Demonstrates knowledge of menu items and ingredients to ensure accuracy and respond appropriately to customer questions. Ensures food lines are fully stocked, correctly labeled, and equipped with appropriate serving utensils. Maintains the cleanliness of service areas during and after meal periods.

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.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as required by College operations.
• 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, hospitality, retail, or another customer-facing role.
• Experience working in a high-volume service environment, such as a cafeteria, 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.