Second Cook - Catering

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Second Cook- Catering position. The Second Cook- Catering is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $21.78 per hour. Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

The Second Cook- Catering supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services in providing the diverse campus community with excellent service and production of our menus. This position assists the culinary team with the production and implementation of menu items. This individual takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. This position ensures that the quantity and quality of our production are consistent with our standards and works with all members of the team to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. This individual produces menu components from fresh and exceptional ingredients and is proficient in the technical skill and knowledge required to achieve this, being well-versed in food, its history, and trends.

The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College's operational needs, the position may assist with board plan coverage in student dining and/or assist with campus-wide events. As our work is central to student life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year, and as such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is required. In addition, the position is designated to provide essential services and should report to work, or remain on duty even though the College is closed.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Supervision

• Provide operational supervision, both directly and in conjunction with the First Cook, over the daily culinary operations while supporting the culinary team with the planning, production, and implementation of menus and systems

• Participate in employee training and development and the assessment of team member performance

• Provide and maintain the tools, information, resources, and support necessary to enable individual and the team's success

• Coach and supervise service staff on storage, portioning, and handling of menu items

• Perform regular inspections of stations and service areas in support of established standards

• Maintain the accuracy of production schedules and usage reports, communicate deficiencies

• Manage inventory levels and quality; maintain the organization of production storage areas

• Ensure the culinary operation is secure, organized, safe, and clean during production, service, and at the end of events and shifts

• Maintain a commitment to the quality of our resources and work to prevent loss and eliminate waste

• Promote our standards of quality and service and the safety of our work environment

Preparation

• Support the operational standards and Health Department regulations

• Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner, as well as oversee the complete breakdown and cleaning of all equipment

• Ensure production of menu items is to standard

• Ensure recipes are followed, uniform production standards are met, and all items are of the highest possible quality

Operational Coverage

• Support operations during downtimes and in times of need by covering stations, supervisory roles, and other roles as assigned by First Cook- Catering and Executive Sous Chef

Menu Development

• Help create, manage, and serve seasonal, fresh menus from exceptional ingredients

• Assist with product and process refinement

• Assist with new product research and development

• Corrects discrepancies in production sheets and recipes

Communication and Workday

• Regularly checking your amherst.edu email is required to stay up to date on college-wide and departmental communications

• This includes communication by email, message boards, and The Daily Mammoth

• Important information is shared through these communications that affect your job and help you stay up to date on departmental-specific updates, upcoming meetings, and events

• Learning and using Workday to manage clocking in and out for shifts, time off requests, and all other functions required to manage your personal information

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience

• 3-5 years of food preparation experience, including hot and cold food production, high volume catering/banquet production, buffet presentation, and a la carte cooking, including sautéing, grilling, roasting, and other fundamental cooking techniques

• Strong verbal and written communication, customer service, organizational, and time management skills

• Ability to taste and work with any and all ingredients used

• Ability to mathematically reduce and expand measurements required by recipe

• Attention to detail

• Work flexible hours based on departmental needs, including extended shifts

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a proven record of effectively supervising and supporting a diverse team

• Pre-employment physical/lift test

• Successful completion of required background and/or reference checks

Preferred

• 5-10 years high volume food production

• Supervisory experience

Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.