About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Cooks complex dishes in a catering environment; performs a variety of tasks in the preparation and cooking of food; assists Chef in the daily operation of a kitchen.
Essential Functions
- Prepares and cooks meals following standard recipes and established procedures. In absence of Chef assumes full supervision of kitchen personnel.
- Reads and uses menus and recipes to prepare meals.
- Works with Chef, Catering Manager, or Assistant Foods Manager to make substitutions in the menu when necessary due to a shortage of supplies or a change in the number of customers.
- Assists Chef with required record keeping using standard forms and procedures.
- Communicates with Chef, Catering Manager, or Assistant Foods Manager on any menu problems.
- Measures and mixes ingredients during preparation according to recipe, using kitchen utensils and equipment to prepare complex dishes according to standard recipe and using established procedures.
- Trains kitchen personnel in the proper use of food preparation equipment to insure safe and efficient operation.
- Ensures the safe and sanitary storage of unused food to prevent spoilage.
- Trains kitchen personnel in the proper portion control in preparation and service of food.
- Informs storeroom personnel of the items needed to be moved into storage and the food preparation areas.
- Trains subordinate employees in the proper sanitary habits in the handling, preparation, serving, and storage of food.
- Prepares requisitions for supplies and food items for production.
- Visually inspects and selects food items in the preparation of menu items.
- Performs display cooking for catering customers during events.
- Makes regular visual and temperature inspections of menu items in the kitchen and dining spaces to ensure compliance with department standards and customer specifications.
- Reads and employs math skills to adjust recipes.
- Prepares fine dining menus per customer request.
- Trains wait staff in proper procedures/methods for fine dining service.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Two (2) years' of food service production cooking experience in a hotel, restaurant, catering business, or private institution.
- A degree or diploma from a culinary school may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.
- Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques used in food handling, storage, preparation, cooking, and serving of food in large quantities.
- Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in food handling, storage, preparation, and cooking.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of utensils and equipment used in large quantity food preparation and cooking such as ovens, knives, stoves, steamers, fryolators, etc.
- Knowledge of the proper quality, appearance and condition of foods.
- Ability to read and interpret recipes and weights and measures tables.
- Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision.
Additional Details
- Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six (6) months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe).
- This position is designated as essential personnel.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
Work Schedule
- Varies depending on department needs; may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- 40 hours per week.
Salary Information
Grade 12
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete online application, submit a resume and provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.