Amherst, MA · On-site
$15 - $19/hr
The basic purpose of this work is to perform cooking tasks and assist with cleaning and food service work as needed. May be required to operate a cash register to make cash sales transactions.
Amherst, MA · On-site
$15 - $19/hr
The basic purpose of this work is to perform cooking tasks and assist with cleaning and food service work as needed. May be required to operate a cash register to make cash sales transactions.
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Quick apply
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Quick apply
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Quick apply
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Quick apply
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$17.50 - $19.27/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$17.50 - $19.27/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
New
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
New
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
East Longmeadow, MA · On-site
$16 - $18.78/hr
Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed. Assist cook in preparing meals. Distribute and collect menus as necessary. Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
Holyoke, MA · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Set up meals, food carts, unit pantries etc. as instructed. * Assist cook in preparing snacks, sandwiches, tossed salads, fruit salad. * Deliver/serve food to designated units. Stock unit pantries ...
$9.13 - $10.22
1% of jobs
$10.22 - $11.31
1% of jobs
$11.31 - $12.40
4% of jobs
$12.40 - $13.50
7% of jobs
$14.17 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.50 - $14.59
18% of jobs
The median wage is $15.36 / hr.
$14.59 - $15.68
26% of jobs
$15.68 - $16.77
14% of jobs
$17.09 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.77 - $17.86
13% of jobs
$17.86 - $18.96
9% of jobs
$18.96 - $20.05
4% of jobs
$20.05 - $21.14
3% of jobs
$9
$15
$21
| Aspect | Assistant Cook | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary training | High school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred |
| Work Environment | Assists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep work | Prepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Common in restaurants, hotels, catering | Found in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Often compared for entry-level roles, support tasks | Compared for active cooking during service |
The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.
Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.
$15 - $19/hr
Other
Re-posted 13 hours ago
Title: Departmental Assistant (Kitchen Assistant - Fall 2026)
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises
Department: Campus Center/Student Union
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule:part time
Work Arrangement:Onsite
Job Summary
The Kitchen Assistant (Departmental Assistant) performs routine manual and domestic job duties in a food service operation including cooking, cleaning and serving food. The basic purpose of this work is to perform cooking tasks and assist with cleaning and food service work as needed. May be required to operate a cash register to make cash sales transactions.
Essential Functions
Cooks food in large quantities by following recipes and standard operating procedures. May be required to perform display cooking as assigned.
Reads computer generated recipes and menus for the preparation of simple meals.
Cleans cooking equipment, work areas, food areas, counters, floors, food carts, trays, furniture, utensils, dishes, pots and pans by scraping, hand washing and machine washing.
Peels, chops, washes and cooks foods for simple dishes.
Transports food to and from storage areas, loads food carts, transports food to serving areas and serves food to diners.
Assists other food services staff with the preparation of more complex dishes.
Roasts, fries, boils, broils and seasons meats, fish, poultry, vegetables and other foods required for daily meals.
Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.
Uses kitchen utensils and equipment to prepare soups, salads, desserts, dressings, gravies, sauces, and stews.
Operates cutlery, grinders and slicers to prepare and portion food for cooking.
Evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste by tasting and observing to determine proper freshness, preparation and portioning.
Stores foods in sanitary storage areas and at proper temperature to prevent spoilage.
Communicate with Cook I, Cook II and Cook III employees to report food and menu problems.
Makes coffee.
Separates and removes trash and garbage, and places them in designated containers.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
One year of cooking experience.
Ability to cook a variety of simple meals and to assist in the preparation of more complex dishes.
Knowledge of approved sanitary methods and procedures for the handling and serving of food.
Knowledge of approved sanitary methods and procedures for the care and use of kitchen, dining room and food service equipment.
Ability to use kitchen, dining room and food service equipment.
Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.
Ability to provide training, work assignments and functional supervision to student employees.
Ability to give oral and/or written instructions in precise and understandable manner.
Willingness to work varied shifts and irregular hours including weekends, holidays and nights.
Ability to read and understand recipes.
Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe).
Additional Details
This position will be within any of the Auxiliary Enterprises locations such as Berkshire Dining Hall, Hampshire Dining Hall, Franklin Dining Hall, Worcester Dining Hall, Blue Wall Cafe, and other Auxiliary Enterprises Cafe.
The successful applicant will be a part of the bargaining unit after working at least (10) hours per week and (6) weeks in a calendar year.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in custodial or dining service environments, and entails prolonged standing, carrying loads, and use of cleaning chemicals or food service equipment.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Schedule will vary based on departmental needs and may include nights, weekends, and holidays.This is a temporary position for the 2026 - 2027 UMass Academic Year and employment will be from 8/30/2026 up to 5/29/2027.
Salary Information
Hourly Rate:$15.00 - $19.00
Special Instructions for Applicants
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
