Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $19.98 - $20.25
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Tuition remission
Employee assistance program
Life insurance
Job Description
Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence and diversity. As one of the leading liberal arts institutions in the country, Amherst College emphasizes cultivating an inclusive and supportive community for students, faculty, and staff from a broad range of racial, socio-economic, and geographic backgrounds. The College continually strives to enrich its educational experience and campus culture by embracing diversity in all forms. Amherst’s dining services are an integral part of campus life, offering a variety of culinary options that cater to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of the college community.
This job opportunity is for the position of Prep Cook within Amherst College Dining Services. This is a full-time, academic-year position that begins in mid-July 2026 and transitions to an academic-year schedule in 2027. The hourly salary range for this role is $19.98 to $20.25, with variations dependent on education, relevant experience, training, and other considerations. The College also offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package tailored to meet the needs of both staff and their families.
The Prep Cook plays a vital role in supporting the smooth operation of Amherst College Dining Services by preparing and producing high-quality menu items for a diverse campus population. The role involves performing a variety of food preparation tasks to ensure kitchen efficiency, consistent product quality, and readiness for service. The successful candidate will be responsible for adhering to standardized recipes and procedures while maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety within the kitchen environment.
Working collaboratively as part of the culinary team, the Prep Cook will help ensure that all prep areas are well-stocked and sanitary, supporting daily dining operations with a strong focus on attention to detail and quality assurance. The position demands the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, where teamwork, communication, and reliability are essential. Additionally, the Prep Cook is expected to actively support Amherst College’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace, contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
All employees within Dining Services must understand and rigorously apply food safety standards, allergen prevention protocols, and related health regulations to protect the well-being of students, guests, and staff. Compliance with mandatory training and safety guidelines is critical to maintaining a safe dining experience for all community members.
The Prep Cook’s responsibilities include preparing both hot and cold menu items, maintaining operational and health standards, ensuring equipment is properly maintained, handling inventory and supplies, and collaborating with colleagues to identify and address operational needs. This role is key in supporting Amherst College’s mission to provide excellent dining experiences that meet the nutritional, cultural, and culinary preferences of its diverse student body and campus community.
This job opportunity is for the position of Prep Cook within Amherst College Dining Services. This is a full-time, academic-year position that begins in mid-July 2026 and transitions to an academic-year schedule in 2027. The hourly salary range for this role is $19.98 to $20.25, with variations dependent on education, relevant experience, training, and other considerations. The College also offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package tailored to meet the needs of both staff and their families.
The Prep Cook plays a vital role in supporting the smooth operation of Amherst College Dining Services by preparing and producing high-quality menu items for a diverse campus population. The role involves performing a variety of food preparation tasks to ensure kitchen efficiency, consistent product quality, and readiness for service. The successful candidate will be responsible for adhering to standardized recipes and procedures while maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety within the kitchen environment.
Working collaboratively as part of the culinary team, the Prep Cook will help ensure that all prep areas are well-stocked and sanitary, supporting daily dining operations with a strong focus on attention to detail and quality assurance. The position demands the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, where teamwork, communication, and reliability are essential. Additionally, the Prep Cook is expected to actively support Amherst College’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace, contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
All employees within Dining Services must understand and rigorously apply food safety standards, allergen prevention protocols, and related health regulations to protect the well-being of students, guests, and staff. Compliance with mandatory training and safety guidelines is critical to maintaining a safe dining experience for all community members.
The Prep Cook’s responsibilities include preparing both hot and cold menu items, maintaining operational and health standards, ensuring equipment is properly maintained, handling inventory and supplies, and collaborating with colleagues to identify and address operational needs. This role is key in supporting Amherst College’s mission to provide excellent dining experiences that meet the nutritional, cultural, and culinary preferences of its diverse student body and campus community.
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 work efficiently in a high-volume fast-paced kitchen environment
- Basic knowledge of food preparation kitchen operations or willingness to learn
- Ability to follow standardized recipes instructions and food safety procedures
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Effective communication skills
- Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive community
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings weekends holidays and extended shifts
- 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
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 work efficiently in a high-volume fast-paced kitchen environment
- Basic knowledge of food preparation kitchen operations or willingness to learn
- Ability to follow standardized recipes instructions and food safety procedures
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Effective communication skills
- Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive community
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings weekends holidays and extended shifts
- 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
- Previous experience in food service kitchen preparation or a related environment preferred
- Familiarity with food safety sanitation and kitchen equipment preferred
- Experience working in a high-volume or institutional dining setting preferred
- ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe preferred
- Experience working in a diverse team-oriented environment preferred
Job Duties
- Prepares assigned menu items to established standards including hot and cold foods packaged meals and ready-to-eat items following standardized recipes and production methods
- Maintains compliance with operational standards and Health Department regulations
- Ensures all work areas are clean organized and sanitary at all times
- Sets up and replenishes food items before and during service ensuring proper rotation and product quality
- Performs work safely and efficiently maintaining organization before during and after service
- Ensures all equipment is in proper working order and that tools are used maintained and stored appropriately
- Communicates operational needs challenges and opportunities proactively and effectively
- Collaborates effectively with a diverse group of colleagues and students to support daily operations
- Assists with inventory management of storage and supply areas
- Inspects deliveries for quality and accuracy reporting discrepancies or deficiencies
- Communicates product needs through established ordering or reporting channels
- Supports efforts to minimize waste and loss through proper handling storage and usage of products
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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