Prep Cook

Amherst College is a prestigious and highly selective liberal arts institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, the college strives to provide an enriching educational environment and foster a welcoming community for its students, faculty, administration, and staff. Amherst College has successfully diversified its student body across racial, socio-economic, and geographic dimensions, positioning itself as a leader among liberal arts colleges in promoting diversity. The College’s dedication extends beyond students to include efforts to embrace diversity among its employees and within its campus culture, aiming to cultivate a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all members.

Amherst College Dining Services is integral to this supportive community and invites applications for the role of Prep Cook, a full-time academic-year position starting in mid-July 2026 and continuing with an academic-year schedule beginning in 2027. The position offers an hourly salary range between $19.98 and $20.25, with compensation influenced by education, experience, tenure status, and other factors. Amherst College also provides a comprehensive benefits package tailored to staff and faculty needs.

The Prep Cook plays a vital role within the culinary team by assisting in the preparation, production, and execution of diverse, high-quality menu items that serve the entire Amherst community. Key responsibilities include performing various food preparation tasks, ensuring consistent product quality, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, and adhering to established recipes and protocols. This position demands excellence in teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently within a fast-paced setting.

In this capacity, the Prep Cook supports the College’s commitment to safety by rigorously following food safety procedures, allergen prevention protocols, and Health Department standards designed to protect the health of students, guests, and staff alike. This role requires an individual who can take proactive measures to maintain kitchen equipment, inventory, and the overall organization of prep areas. Collaboration with diverse colleagues and the cultivation of a respectful workplace are central aspects of this role, supporting Amherst College’s broader values of inclusion and community engagement.

Successful candidates will contribute to Amherst’s food operations by preparing hot and cold foods, ready-to-eat items, and packaged meals to the highest standards, ensuring proper product rotation and quality control. The Prep Cook is responsible for supporting inventory management and minimizing waste through careful handling and storage practices. Moreover, this role requires a flexible approach to scheduling, including the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts. The College values diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and strives to provide equitable opportunities for candidates from different backgrounds. Amherst participates in an inclusive hiring process and provides accommodations throughout the recruitment and onboarding pathways.

Overall, this position offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team that plays a crucial role in the day-to-day dining experience at Amherst College. Candidates interested in supporting a tradition of excellence within a diverse and vibrant campus community are encouraged to apply.