Food Service Attendant (Retail)

Mount Vernon, NY, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.98 - $20.25

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Tuition remission

Professional Development

Job Description

Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts institution located in Amherst, Massachusetts, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity. As a highly selective college, Amherst has made significant strides in diversifying its student body by embracing racial, socio-economic, and geographic variances. This dedication extends beyond students to foster a diverse and inclusive community among faculty, administration, and staff. Amherst College offers a collaborative, respectful, and vibrant educational environment that empowers its community members to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Food Service Attendant (Retail) position at Amherst College is a full-time, academic-year role based at the Amherst campus. The position is set to begin in mid-July 2026, transitioning into an academic-year schedule in 2027. This opportunity provides an hourly wage ranging from $19.98 to $20.25, with compensation tailored based on educational background, training, experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory factors. Amherst College also offers an attractive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its staff and their families.

In this role, the Food Service Attendant plays an essential part in delivering an excellent artisan craft food and beverage experience within the college’s retail dining spaces. Reporting to cafe supervision, you'll be responsible for preparing and producing a wide range of staple menu items, including specialty coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and grab-and-go offerings. The role is highly customer-focused, requiring courteous engagement with students, faculty, staff, and visitors while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and energetic cafe atmosphere.

Daily responsibilities involve following precise recipes and presentation standards to ensure quality and consistency. Attention to food safety protocols and cleanliness guidelines is mandatory to uphold the college’s health and safety standards. Operating specialized café equipment such as espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and brewers is part of the role, with the need to monitor maintenance needs proactively.

Amherst College emphasizes food safety and allergen awareness, requiring all Dining Services employees to understand and implement established measures to provide safe dining. The Food Service Attendant supports individuals with food allergies through appropriate handling, communication, and service procedures, contributing to a safe and positive dining environment for the entire community.

Adaptability, teamwork, and a positive attitude are critical, as the Food Service Attendant works under dynamic conditions with varying schedules and shifting assignments based on college needs. The position also involves collaboration with diverse staff members and participation in the college’s ongoing efforts to nurture a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. This role provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in professional growth within food service, hospitality, or institutional dining operations, offering meaningful interaction within a community committed to excellence and diversity.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
1 to 3 years of related experience
Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
Ability to provide courteous, professional, and responsive customer service in a high-volume dining environment
Demonstrated interpersonal skills including ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and work cooperatively with diverse colleagues and guests
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standardized recipes, and safety procedures with accuracy
Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness or willingness to learn
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing priorities and assignments
Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and composure in fast-paced or pressure situations
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds or more with or without accommodation
Successful completion of reference and background checks
Acceptable CORI check
Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
1 to 3 years of related experience
Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
Ability to provide courteous, professional, and responsive customer service in a high-volume dining environment
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and work cooperatively
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standardized recipes, and established service and safety procedures with accuracy
Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen awareness or willingness to learn
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing priorities
Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and composure in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds
Successful completion of reference and background checks
Acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
Experience in retail food service environment preferred
Experience providing inclusive, respectful service to diverse individuals preferred
Strong customer service orientation preferred
Ability to communicate effectively across language and cultural differences preferred
Familiarity with food safety regulations and allergen control preferred
Experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment preferred
Interest in professional growth within food service, hospitality, or institutional dining preferred

Job Duties

Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee, espresso, tea, and blended beverages according to established recipes and quality standards
Cook, assemble, and portion light food items, pastries, and grab-and-go options, prioritizing aesthetic arrangements
Operate and maintain specialized cafe equipment including espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and brewers and report maintenance issues to supervisor
Monitor inventory levels of goods on the service floor and restock stations proactively to prevent service disruptions
Alert supervisors to low stock levels, expired products, or item discrepancies
Assist in receiving, unpacking, and organizing stock deliveries using proper FIFO rotation
Perform ongoing cleaning duties including washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, cleaning equipment, emptying trash, and mopping floors
Welcome guests warmly and provide high-level customer service
Demonstrate knowledge of menu items and ingredients and respond appropriately to customer questions
Maintain clean, organized, and inviting seating and counter areas
Operate cash registers and electronic point-of-sale systems efficiently
Implement all established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols
Support individuals with food allergies through proper handling and communication
Participate in creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment
Collaborate with colleagues across areas to meet operational needs