Culinary Assistant

Job no:

R-0000003621

Position Title:

Culinary Assistant

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$22.00

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

09/14/2026

Job Description:

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons offers a diverse array of cuisines tailored to meet various dietary preferences and need.  Our menu frequently rotates to provide students, faculty, and staff with an expansive selection.  Highlights include the customizable WOK station, offering personalized stir0fry dishes, and the Baraka station, specializing is Halal cuisine.  For those seeking Kosher options, the L’Chaim station is available.

Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting nutritious, flavorful meals that cater to the diverse tastes of our students, faculty, and staff.  We prioritize safety and sanitation in All meal preparations.  In addition to Vegan and Vegetarian options, we strive to create an inclusive dining environment where every person, despite their dietary needs can enjoy healthy and delicious foods.

Working under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Culinary Operations, Production Manager, and Dining Managers, the Culinary Assistant’s responsibilities reside in all aspects of proper and safe food preparation and handling, proper sanitation procedures, and proper receiving and storage procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Efficiently set up, prepare, garnish, and replenish all items at assigned stations, including the beverage area if applicable.

• Ensure all food labels and menu signage are accurate and properly displayed before each meal service.

• Maintain adequate food and beverage supplies for all meal periods, adhering to standardized recipes for food preparation.

• Accurately record and monitor Time & Temperature logs and service records. Ensure compliance with record-keeping protocols for future dining program implementations.

• Follow proper procedures for receiving and storing orders. Refrigerate or store leftover food at the end of each meal in accordance with food safety regulations.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area. Ensure utensils and equipment are cleaned, in good working condition, and that the station remains free of debris and sanitized at all times.

• Prepare and record food quantities as specified by computer production sheets, changing out utensils frequently to prevent cross-contamination.

• Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation regulations as mandated by the Board of Health (BOH) and department policies and procedures.

• Provide guidance to student, faculty, and staff while upholding a high level of professionalism.

• Assist with weekly inventory tasks as needed.

• Bring forth a cooperative attitude and work effectively with others to achieve common departmental goals.

• Maintain a neat and professional appearance and adhere to high standards of cleanliness in both personal presentation and work habits.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in preparation of food in quantity in a college or high volume, quality restaurant.

• Must be able to pass a physical examination without restrictions.

• Willingness to participate in a Serv Safe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification is required.

• Must have general knowledge of food and operation of kitchen equipment.

• Must have good communication skills, both written and orally, with a sound understanding of the English language.

Please note that this position falls under a Union, which ensures fair compensation and benefits for all employees. So, if you're ready to take your culinary career to the next level in a supportive and inclusive setting, join us today and feel secure in your career growth.

Hire Rate: $22.00 / Hour

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Disability and Leave Benefits

• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.