Culinary Assistant

At Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect—one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus.

Learn more about Life at Holy Cross here. At Holy Cross Dining, you are part of more than a food-service operation—you are an essential part of the student experience and the broader College community. Our culinary team plays an important role in creating a welcoming, connected, and enjoyable campus experience by providing high-quality meals and exceptional service to students, faculty, staff, and guests.

As a Culinary Assistant, you will contribute to an environment where every meal and interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the Holy Cross community. You will help prepare and serve quality food while supporting a positive dining experience through hospitality, teamwork, inclusion, and service.

We are looking for team members who take pride in their work, enjoy working collaboratively, and understand that great hospitality extends beyond the food—it is about the experience we create for every member of our community. Job Description Current Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM This position is 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year.

Holy Cross Dining staff are considered Emergency Essential Personnel and are required to report to work during times of inclement weather. Flexibility is required, and schedules may change based on departmental needs, the academic calendar, campus events, and operational requirements. MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Prepare and cook food to order in accordance with established recipes, menus, standards, and specifications.

Follow recipes and menu guidelines accurately to ensure consistency, quality, proper portioning, and appropriate serving temperatures. Monitor and record food temperatures accurately using designated temperature logs. Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and well-stocked work area, including proper food storage and product rotation.

Apply FIFO (First In, First Out) principles to support food quality, inventory control, and waste reduction. Supervise and provide direction to on-call staff, student captains/workers, and temporary employees to support daily operations and service needs. Work effectively in various areas of the servery and Dining operation as assigned by management.

Provide friendly, professional, and attentive customer service to students, faculty, staff, guests, and other members of the College community. Respond appropriately to guest questions and service needs, seeking guidance from management when necessary. Demonstrate knowledge and care when accommodating students with food allergies and special dietary restrictions.

Follow established Food Allergy Program procedures and seek management guidance when questions or concerns arise. Assist with the setup, service, and cleanup of catered events and special functions while maintaining established operational and service standards. Accurately complete service records, inventory information, and other required documentation in the Food.

Pro system. Follow all applicable state and local food safety regulations, College policies, and departmental procedures. Support a safe, welcoming, and inclusive dining environment for all members of the Holy Cross community. Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, service, and the overall dining experience.

Perform other similar or related duties as required or requested RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES Accurately and timely complete all required documentation and records. Follow all chemical handling and safety guidelines in accordance with applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Provide superior customer service and communicate with guests, coworkers, and members of the College community in a welcoming, friendly, professional, and respectful manner.

Offer training, guidance, and support to coworkers, staff, and students when appropriate. Follow all verbal and written instructions provided by managers and supervisors. Comply with all safety, risk management, sanitation, and operational policies and procedures. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Maintain flexibility and awareness of the academic calendar, campus events, and special event schedules. Work schedules may be adjusted to meet operational needs. Demonstrate innovation within the scope of the position and proactively identify opportunities for process and service improvements. Share constructive suggestions and ideas that enhance operations, efficiency, teamwork, or the customer experience.

Report to work as required during inclement weather as an Emergency Essential employee. Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the department's core values. Adhere to the uniform standards applicable to the position. Maintain professionalism and respect in all interactions with students, faculty, staff, guests, and colleagues.

Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent required. Up to two years of related food service, culinary, hospitality, or institutional dining experience preferred. Serv. Safe Food Safety Certification or training required. If certification or training is not current, it must be completed within 3–6 months of hire. Food allergy training is essential.

Prior experience preparing meals for individuals with food allergies or special dietary needs is preferred. Candidates without prior experience must complete required training upon hire, including an overview of the Food Allergy Program, departmental responsibilities, and applicable procedures. Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to provide a welcoming, professional, and safe environment for students and guests.

Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with coworkers, students, supervisors, and other members of the College community. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing operational needs. Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Ability and willingness to work during inclement weather as an Emergency Essential employee. Ability to complete required annual training, including Title IX harassment prevention and security awareness training. CORE COMPETENCIES Inclusion: Actively engaging with the values of the College by promoting a work environment that embraces diversity and demonstrating respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

Innovation: Performing one’s job with creativity and proactivity, improving procedures and problem-solving. Mission/Service Orientation: Focusing on service to others and contributing to the College’s collective mission. Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s actions and accountability for one’s tasks and duties. Collaboration: Exchanging information, ideas, and thoughts with others in a manner that is proactive and enhances partnerships.

Salary Information: The hourly rate for this position is $18.00. DISCLAIMER The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned. Weekly Hours: 35 Annual Work Schedule: (For Seasonal and Temporary Positions, this will be determined by the manager) Application Instructions For all administrative and academic positions, please upload a current resume and cover letter.

In your cover letter, please reflect on how your professional and personal values align with the Mission of the College. For all other positions, resume and cover letters are optional, but your most up-to-date work experience and educational background are required. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

However, priority consideration will be given to applications submitted within 30 days of the posting date. Additional Information To review our generous benefits options, please review our detailed information here or check out our Benefits at a Glance . The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law.

Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at [email protected], or by calling 508-793-3391. The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity in the workplace. The College does not provide immigration sponsorship for staff positions.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.