Third Cook
Location:
Amherst, MA
Open Date:
Sep 27, 2018
Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Third Cook position. The Third Cook is a full time, year round position, job group and level AO-2. The Third Cook- supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with excellent service through the quality production of our breakfast and lunch menus. This position supports 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 the standards of Dining Services and works with members of the team to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. 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. This position involves direct customer interaction and display/demonstration cooking requiring oneself to present at all times in a professional, approachable and supportive manner.
The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College’s operational needs, but generally is Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. At times, this position may be asked to assist with evening production in student dining or assist with catering and campus-wide events at any time. As our work is central to student life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and in such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is required. In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and should report to work, or remain on duty even though the College is closed.
Key Responsibilities
Preparation
- Prepare assigned menu items to standard, including hot and cold food menu items while adhering to standardized recipes and production methods
- Maintain operational standards and Health Department regulations
- Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner
- Set-up food items prior to and during meals meeting established standards, manage the rotation of goods to ensure highest quality
- Perform work in a safe and efficient manner; ensure operational organization before, during, and after service
- Ensure that equipment used is in sound, working order; tools used are properly cared for and stored
- Communicate operational needs and concerns effectively and pro-actively
- Help to maintain the accuracy of production schedules and usage reports
- 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
Menus
- Help create, maintain, 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
Inventory
- Assist with the inventory of storage and supply areas
- Inspect deliveries for quality and accuracy and communicate deficiencies
- Communicate product needs through appropriate channels
- Work effectively to reduce waste and loss of supply and goods
Physical and Environmental Demands
- Frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold, wet and humid environments, sharp tools, machinery, chemicals, grease laden vapors and fumes, and high noise levels
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift, push, pull, and carry objects over 50 pounds with assistance
- Constant/repetitive motions involving the range of full body use including fingers, arms, knees, hands and wrists
- Bending, squatting and stooping, reaching outward and above head, constant walking and standing, and ascending/descending stairs
- Manual dexterity including grasping and manipulating tools/equipment, and adjusting controls.
- Close visual concentration including the ability to perceive color, contrast, and depth
- Ability to taste and work with any and all ingredients used
Qualifications:
Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Current ServSafe Manager Certification or be able to achieve within (6) months of employment
- Allergen Awareness as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- 2 + years of food preparation experience including hot and cold food production, breakfast production and egg cookery, high volume catering/banquet production, buffet presentation, a’la carte cooking, baking, and pastry
- 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 upon departmental needs including extended shifts
- Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
Preferred
- Associate’s degree or equivalent in Culinary Arts
- 3 – 5 years’ experience in a similar, high volume, scratch operation
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information (email and/or telephone numbers) for three professional references. Review of applications will continue until position is filled.
ABOUT AMHERST COLLEGE
Amherst College, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a town of approximately 35,000 residents in the western part of the state. The college’s community is composed of about 1,800 students from 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 54 countries around the world, and about 1,000 staff and faculty. The college’s scenic 1,000-acre campus includes a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the Book & Plow Farm; three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and Mead Art Museum; and multiple educational and cultural venues and resources through the Five College Consortium. The town of Amherst offers an amazing variety of coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment, and a very active outdoor life. Our vibrant campus, diverse community and beautiful surrounding, makes Amherst College and the Town of Amherst the perfect place to work, learn and live!