Casual Retail Dining Assistant (Casual)

Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is renowned as a highly selective liberal arts college that actively embraces diversity across racial, socio-economic, and geographic lines among its student body, faculty, administration, and staff. Committed not only to academic excellence but also to creating an inclusive and enriching educational environment, Amherst College fosters opportunities for professional growth, continued learning, and career advancement. This dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflective of the college's broader mission to create a welcoming community for all members.

The Casual Retail Dining Assistant position at Amherst College is a part-time, casual role without benefits, offering an hourly wage ranging between $16.50 and $17.00. The exact salary depends on several factors, including education, experience, training, and tenure. This role is central to supporting the vibrant campus community by ensuring high-quality food and beverage service across various dining outlets on campus.

As a Casual Retail Dining Assistant, the individual will be responsible for a variety of tasks focused on both food preparation and customer service. This includes preparing and serving breakfast and lunch menu items, crafting specialty espresso drinks using barista techniques, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in dining areas. The position demands adherence to safe food handling practices, such as proper labeling, dating, and rotation of products, to guarantee food quality and safety for all patrons.

This role also extends to cashiering duties, including cash handling and providing excellent customer service at retail points such as the Mammoth Market. Working hours are flexible, varying according to the College's operational needs. Shifts may occur at multiple locations around campus, requiring the ability to walk between buildings and adapt to diverse schedules, sometimes including extended hours. Moreover, since the role is deemed essential, the incumbent may be required to report to work even during college closures.

In addition to day-to-day operational responsibilities, effective and respectful communication with staff and the campus community is a key component of this role. This includes responding to operational concerns, updating supervisors on schedule changes, and staying informed through official college communications.

The position also offers an enriching environment where interpersonal skills are honed through meaningful interactions with students, faculty, and staff. The Casual Retail Dining Assistant plays an important role in enhancing the college experience by ensuring that the dining services run efficiently and with a focus on quality and community engagement.

Amherst College encourages applications from individuals eager to contribute to a diverse and dynamic campus life, who possess a commitment to exemplary customer service, food safety, and adaptable work practices. This role represents an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in food service within a respected academic institution that values its employees and community members alike.