Campus Grill & Prep Culinary Assistant

Culinary Assistant Job no: 495883 Work type: Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Hourly (Non-Exempt), On Campus Swarthmore College Dining Services is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. We provide quality dining experiences through a diverse menu with a focus on fresh, nutritious food and an inclusive environment. The position is a 9‑month role (August – May) that may involve working in various stations such as grill, grill assistant, salad prep, deli or prep cook depending on the department schedule. Essential Responsibilities Provide prompt, efficient, and friendly service to a diverse clientele. Perform start‑up duties for cooking equipment (grill, oven, toasters, hearth, fryers) and set to proper temperatures. Prepare foods/ingredients for grilling or cooking, curating portions and labeling with prepared date and use‑by date. Follow the shift lead cook’s directions for meal production, ensuring food quality by tasting and aligning with recipes. Wash, sanitize, and store produce and other food items in compliant temperature ranges, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe standards. Cut, trim, bone, and carve meats and poultry; manage portions and thawing procedures. Assist in all kitchen areas, including salads, deli, pizza catering, residential dining, and daily specials. Prioritize and complete multiple concurrent tasks while preserving consistency and quality. Maintain a professional appearance and a clean, sanitized work area. Manage inventory of food supplies and monitor par levels for backup ingredients. Additional Responsibilities Set up Bain Maries and salad bars, labeling container tops with product name, date, and initials. Make cold sandwiches per procedure. Perform other assignments as directed by a supervisor or manager. Required Qualifications 2 years of cooking experience in a high‑volume food establishment or completion of a culinary vocational training program. Excellent culinary knife skills and recipe scaling for various batch sizes. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team. Excellent customer service and the ability to read and follow recipes. Clear communication, written and verbal, with students, faculty, and staff. Preferred Qualifications Culinary program certificate. 3–5 years of experience in a high‑volume food establishment. Serv‑Safe certification. Food allergen knowledge/certification. Valid PA driver’s license. Working Conditions Fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. Seven‑day operation, including nights and weekends. Adaptation to changing demands of college dining services. Work in inclement or severe weather conditions. Potentially noisy environment. Wet floors; non‑slip shoes required. Temperature fluctuations causing noticeable bodily reactions. Interaction with heated equipment, steam, and other hazardous conditions. Physical Demands Carry and lift objects weighing 25–40 lbs. Carry heavy objects in close quarters for extended periods. Perform kneeling, bending, squatting, and reaching motions for extended times. Stand on a hard surface for long periods. Engage in repetitive motion activities. Compensation and Benefits Pay: $21.53 per hour. Benefit plans start at zero cost. Upon eligibility, the college contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested when participation begins. Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inside Higher Ed