Culinary Assistant at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA

Job description

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 FoodPro 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). Provid