Kitchen Runner

Kitchen Runner

Amherst College invites applications for the Kitchen Runner position. The Kitchen Runner is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is $19.98 to $20.25 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on factors including relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College provides a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits: Information. The Kitchen Runner supports Amherst College Dining Services by maintaining the flow, cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of kitchen and service areas within the dining hall. Working as part of the culinary team, this role transports and replenishes food and supplies, cleans and sanitizes assigned areas and equipment, supports service needs, and helps maintain a safe and efficient operation. The Kitchen Runner responds to changing priorities throughout service while ensuring work areas remain clean, organized, sanitary, and well-stocked. 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 knowledge from mandatory training sessions in daily duties. Maintaining these safety standards is essential to protect the health and well-being of students, guests, and colleagues. The work schedule varies based on department needs. A mutually agreed-upon schedule will be set during the job offer phase. The Kitchen Runner is part of essential services and should report to work or remain on duty, even when the college is closed. Work occurs at various times, and a flexible schedule with extended shift times is required.

Summary of Responsibilities: Operational, Sanitation & Service Support: Cleans and sanitizes kitchen, production, storage, and service areas; supports setup, replenishment, and breakdown of kitchen and service areas; transports food, supplies, smallwares, and equipment safely; monitors food and supply levels and communicates operational needs; assists with receiving, storing, rotating, and organizing food and supplies; removes waste, recycling, and other materials following procedures; responds promptly to spills and sanitation concerns; collaborates with culinary, service, and sanitation teams to maintain clean, organized, and efficient operations.

Food Preparation: Performs basic food preparation including washing, cutting, portioning, assembling, packaging, and labeling ingredients and menu items; follows standardized recipes, portioning guidelines, food safety standards, and procedures; assists with preparing and staging food and ingredients for production and service; maintains clean, organized, and sanitary work areas throughout.

Qualifications

• Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• 1-3 years of equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience.

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

• Ability to perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and basic food preparation.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond to changing operational needs.

• Ability to safely use cleaning chemicals, sanitation supplies, kitchen tools, and equipment.

• Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, recipes, and operational procedures.

• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and detail.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• 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

• Previous food service, sanitation, kitchen, or institutional dining experience.

• Familiarity with basic food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and commercial kitchen operations.

• Experience in a high-volume dining environment.

• ServSafe Foodhandler Certification.