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 Dishroom Attendant position. The Dishroom Attendant is a full-time, academic-year (42 weeks per year) position. The position begins in mid-July 2026 and will transition to an academic-year schedule beginning in 2027. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $19.98 to $20.15 per hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The Dishroom Attendant supports Amherst College Dining Services by maintaining high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and operational efficiency across kitchen and service areas. This role ensures the availability of clean and sanitary wares, supports culinary and service teams, and helps uphold a safe, functional, and welcoming dining environment for a diverse campus community.

Working collaboratively with team members, the Dishroom Attendant operates dishwashing equipment, performs cleaning and sanitizing tasks, and maintains organized storage areas. This position follows established procedures with guidance from supervisors while completing routine tasks independently and may provide basic direction to student or temporary staff as needed.

Work schedule varies based on the college's needs, requiring flexibility and extended shifts.

All Dining Services employees are responsible for understanding and implementing established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols. Team members must actively support and respond appropriately to individuals with food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience for all community members.

Employees are expected to apply the knowledge and procedures covered in mandatory training sessions in the course of their daily duties. Maintaining these safety standards is essential to protect the health and well-being of our students, guests, and colleagues.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Sanitation, Dishwashing & Equipment Maintenance

-Operates and maintains ware-washing equipment and 4-compartment sink systems (wash, rinse, sanitize) in accordance with established procedures.

-Ensures all dishes, utensils, cookware, and service wares are properly cleaned, sanitized, and readily available to support dining operations.

-Accurately uses, stores, and disposes of cleaning chemicals in compliance with safety standards.

-Maintains proper sanitizer concentrations and temperature logs in accordance with health code requirements.

-Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows all workplace safety practices.

-Ensures equipment is in safe working condition and reports maintenance or safety concerns promptly.

Cleaning, Organization & Facility Support

-Cleans and sanitizes food-contact surfaces, equipment, floors, walls, and ceilings to maintain a safe, sanitary environment.

-Maintains organized storage areas for kitchen equipment, utensils, and service wares.

-Ensures all work areas are clean, orderly, and compliant with Dining Services standards and health regulations.

-Supports waste reduction efforts and promotes responsible use of resources.

Operational Support & Team Collaboration

-Supports kitchen and service operations by maintaining workflow efficiency and ensuring the availability of clean wares during service.

-May assist with basic food preparation or service tasks as needed.

-Communicates operational needs, concerns, and safety issues clearly and proactively to supervisors and team members.

-Provides guidance to student employees or temporary staff in proper procedures, equipment use, and safety practices when assigned.

-Works collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and students to meet operational goals.

Communication

-Regularly reviews Amherst College communications (email, message boards, The Daily Mammoth) to stay informed of departmental updates, schedules, and expectations.

-Utilizes Workday for timekeeping, scheduling, and other required employment functions.

Qualifications:

Required

-High School Diploma or equivalent.

-1 to 3 years of related experience.

-Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience.

-Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

-Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to follow instructions and communicate with team members and supervisors.

-Ability to prioritize tasks during busy service periods.

-Ability to safely handle and use cleaning chemicals in accordance with established procedures.

-Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining sanitation and operational standards.

-Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

-Flexibility to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.

-Successful completion of required reference and background checks.

-An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.

-Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test.

Preferred

-ServSafe Food Handler Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

-Allergen Awareness Certification (Massachusetts), or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

-Experience in food service, sanitation, custodial, or other high-volume environments.

-Familiarity with food safety, sanitation standards, and health regulations.

-Experience working in a team-oriented and diverse environment.

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. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.