Cook III (Blue Wall Cafe)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Working supervision of all food preparation within the dining hall; supervise preparation of special functions; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Supervises all kitchen personnel in the preparation and cooking of the meals to ensure the quality and quantity meet established standards.
• Ensures that the preparation and cooking of the meals is in accordance with the established menu and recipes.
• Communicates with the Manager or Assistant Manager on the use of all unused portions.
• Reads menus and recipes to get information on quantities of food to order and prepare.
• Ensures the strict adherence to the department supply systems and recipes.
• Communicates with the Manager or Assistant Manager in advance of making any changes to the menu.
• Ensures that all kitchen personnel maintain department policies and procedures.
• Trains subordinate employees in the proper sanitary habits in the handling, preparation, serving and storage of food.
• Keeps records of supplies, production and usage.
• Participates in the performance evaluation of all kitchen personnel.
• Inspects food for appearance, taste and temperature for health and safety reasons.
• Supervises the preparation of food at special functions as required.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Degree or diploma from a culinary school and two (2) year's of lead/supervisory experience in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institutional kitchen setting.
• ServSafe certified or its equivalent (HAACP Hazard Analysis And Critical Control Point). 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.
• Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques used in food handling, storage, preparation, cooking and serving.
• 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 food preparation and cooking such as ovens, knives, stoves, steamers, etc.
• Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques used in serving food.
• Ability to judge the proper quality, appearance and condition of food by sensory observation.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished.
• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to conduct training.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, reach, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

Work Schedule

• 35 week minimum.
• Varies depending on department needs; may include weekends and holidays.

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 14.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.